It was never likely to match the excitement and energy levels of the midweek Arsenal cup success – and it didn’t – but Wednesday chalked up another hard-earned three points against Forest at Hillsborough today.
The Owls got better as the match progressed and Carlos Carvalhal’s decision to throw on an extra attacker early in the second half reaped its reward, with Fernando Forestieri cracking home the only goal of the game on 68 minutes.
In the first half, Wednesday failed to show the teamwork and vibrant attacking play of Tuesday night, with one or two players guilty of wanting to do too much on the ball, and it was Forest who had the best chance of the half when ex-Blade Jamie Ward headed against the outside of the post when well placed.
However, the second half saw a much-improved performance and on 57 minutes head coach Carvalhal showed that further attacking intent when he introduced Lucas Joao for Jose Semedo.
Joao’s greater mobility up front soon began to pose more of an attacking threat and the all-important goal came after 68 minutes. Forestieri showed neat control on the edge of the box and turned to fire low into the corner of the net, with the ball slipping under the dive of debutant keeper Dimitar Evtimov.
Wednesday might have underlined their second-half superiority with a further goal or two in the closing minutes with both Joao and Ross Wallace missing good chances.
However, victory makes it 10 games without defeat and lifts Wednesday to eighth place and within one point of the play-off positions.