Relegation looms perilously close for Sheffield Wednesday following their crushing 3-1 defeat against Middlesbrough.
Boro made the most of a pivotal early lead after centre-half Yannick Bolasie’s shot bounced off the defence and passed the goalkeeper, earning them a crucial initial strike that set their courageous tone for the remainder of the match.
A penalty was later conceded by Mark Bola after it was concluded he had tripped Owls winger Andre Green, offering the brief respite of a leveller in advance of the half-time mark.
18-year-old Josh Coburn claimed Boro’s second goal with a virtuosic header tipping the balance back in their favour, a lead capped off with Duncan Watmore’s third goal for the team, pushing Wednesday closer toward the existential verge of relegation.
Speaking after the match, Green said: “The game was there to be won and we had a game plan today, so it’s really frustrating we didn’t execute it. We had a lot of chances and we should have taken more than what we created.
“The score shouldn’t be what it is, but if we’re not taking chances we’ve only got ourselves to blame. The main emotion in the dressing room is frustration and we can’t keep doing the things we are doing if we want to get out of this.
“The focus is on winning the next game. If it is all down to that Derby one, it will be exciting – but we will definitely be ready.”
Meanwhile, in the Middlesbrough camp, there was cause for celebration. The unexpected win against the Sheffield team came after a close shave against Rotherham last Wednesday, where Boro won 1-2.
“The other night we didn’t give anything at Rotherham, and tonight I thought it was important we didn’t do the same thing,” said Boro boss Neil Warnock, in a chirpy post-match interview.
“It’s not everyday you beat Sheffield Wednesday.
“Look at Duncan Watmore – what a credit he is. I am so pleased he got his goal because he really deserved that.”
With the spectre of relegation casting an ominous shadow over both Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United as the season nears its end, fans have taken to social media to share their disdain for the Owls’ performance over the weekend.
Ive had a few hours to sleep on it and reflect before I posted anything negative about my team but I’ve seen blades fans wear the Wednesday shirt with more pride than this Feckless bunch.
— Pete McKee (@PeteMcKee) April 25, 2021
Sheffield United is dropping to Championship and Sheffield Wednesday is dropping to League One. It’s gloomy in Sheffield this winter.
— #iBhacaEnt (@into_ka_kava) April 25, 2021
