Wednesday see off Carlisle in the cup
Sheffield Wednesday progressed to the 4th round of the F.A. Cup on a snowy Tuesday evening at Hillsborough. Having drawn 0-0 at Brunton Park in the first encounter a replay was perhaps not what the injury ravaged Owls needed but it gave new manager Jos Luhukay a chance to assess some of his fringe player. The Dutchman made 8 changes to the side that drew 0-0 in the Sheffield derby in his first game in charge, including a run out for youngsters Connor O’Grady and Frederik Nielson at the back.
Carlisle started well and had chances to take the lead through Devitt and Bennett but a combination of poor finishing and good last gasp defending by Nielson kept the Owls on terms. Wednesday made the visitors pay for their missed opportunities just before the half-hour when Nuhiu played in Matias and the Portuguese winger fired into the roof of the net.
Boy forced a good save from Bonham as the home side started to take control and Butterfield fired over the bar as the half drew to a close.
Wednesday spent much of the 2nd half in the ascendancy and on 66 minutes their progress to the next round was made more comfortable when Matias picked out Nuhiu and the big man produced an assured low finish.
Carlisle substitute Miller tested Owls keeper Dawson from long-range late on but the Owls had done enough and will now take on fellow Championship side Reading in the 4th round on Friday 26th January after they bet Stevenage 3-0 in their replay.