Owls save Best till last

Last updated : 25 March 2014 By C. Morris

Sheffield Wednesday put Saturday's local derby defeat at Doncaster behind them on Tuesday evening, beating play-off chasing Brighton by a goal to nil at Hillsborough.

In truth the match was one of very few chances with neither side ever getting on top for a sustained period though the visitors will feel somewhat aggrieved to have gone home with nothing.

Brighton's game plan was to try and get in behind Wednesday, playing off the Owls back line and it was a tactic that almost came to fruition on a few occasions. In the first half they were aided by a linesman who had seemingly forgot to bring his flag out with him but failed to make the most of any half chances. The closest they came was from a corner when Rodriguez glanced a header against the bar.

At the other end, Jeremy Helan, playing in a more attacking wide position due to the absence of Lavery, fired two low strikes narrowly wide.

The second half followed much the same pattern with both sides unable to take command. Brighton broke the offisde trap twice to good effect during the half but were denied by the impressive Kirkland.

The introduction of Afobe gave Wednesday a little more attacking intent on the on loan Arsenal man almost broke the deadlock, latching onto a through ball only to be denied by Kuszczak in the Albion goal.

Just when it looked like being a frustrating night all round Best pounced in the final minute to send the Hillsborough faithful home happy. The striker picked the ball up 30 yards from goal and with Afobe making a decoy run he advanced into the penalty area and fired a low shot across the keeper into the bottom corner.

Wednesday have now won 4 league games in a row at home and a victory against Watford at Hillsborough on Saturday would move them into the top half of the Championship.