Sheffield Wednesday stretched their unbeaten run in league and cup to 10 matches on Saturday as they earned a hard fought 1-0 win over NottinghamForest.
Perhaps understandably, Wednesday’s performance did not reach the heights of the midweek victory over Arsenal but the home side were much the better side and their attacking intent eventually paid off.
Carlos Carvalhal brought Atdhe Nuhiu, Fernando Forestieri and Jose Semedo into his starting line-up. Sam Hutchinson, Lucas Joao and Jeremy Helan made way while new signing Gary Hooper was on the bench.
The first half was one of few chances. Kieran Lee should have given the Owls the lead when Bannan slid through a sublime pass but the midfielder seemed in two minds and failed to get a shot away. The ball then fell to Daniel Pudil and the fill-back saw his shot parried out for a corner.
Forest squandered a great chance on the break when former Sheffield United striker Jamie Ward headed wide from close range and as the half drew to a close Jack Hunt was denied from close range at a tight angle by Evtimov.
The hosts got on the front foot early in the second half and Nuhiu headed over when well placed having been picked out by a cute cross from Bannan.
Forest seemed happy to sit back while Carvalhal showed the Owls were intent on getting the win, replacing holding midfielder Semedo with striker Joao before the hour-mark.
With just over 20 minutes to go Wednesday found the breakthrough their positivity merited. Forestieri controlled well just outside the area and with defenders closing in on him he unleashed a low drive that dipped just in front of the Forest keeper and found its way into the bottom corner. The young goalkeeper will feel he should have done better but the goal was on the cards with the Owls the only team pushing to win the game.
The visitors sent on former Wednesday striker Chris O’Grady in a bid to find a way back into the game but in truth they were unable to offer much at all in reply in what was a quiet afternoon for Westwood in the home goal.
The Owls could and perhaps should have wrapped the game up with another goal. Substitute Joao again showed glimpses of his raw ability but will have been disappointed to put two efforts wide, one after he showed quick fit to create the space and the 2nd after a good move saw Helan pick him out for a 1st-time strike near the penalty spot. Wallace also spurned 2 late opportunities when well placed but it wasn’t to matter as the 3 points moved the home side to within a point of the play-off places.
Next up for Carvalhal’s side is a home game against unbeaten league leaders Brighton at Hillsborough on Tuesday evening.