Frank Onyeka’s Coventry Made to Wait as Sheffield Wednesday Hold Promotion Charge
Frank Onyeka’s Coventry City were made to wait for promotion to the Premier League after they were held to a draw by already relegated Sheffield Wednesday.
The Championship leaders knew that a win would have taken them closer to promotion, especially if Middlesbrough failed to beat Portsmouth later in the day. However, they could not find their usual attacking rhythm in front of their home fans.
Their best chance in the first half fell to Liam Kitching, whose header from Jack Rudoni’s corner was cleared off the line by Svante Ingelsson.
After the break, Sheffield Wednesday had chances to take a surprise lead, with Jerry Yates and Ingelsson both going close. The visitors, who are now without a win in 37 matches, showed some fight despite their difficult season.
Coventry improved as the match went on but struggled to seriously test goalkeeper Pierce Charles. Ellis Simms nearly won it late on, but his deflected overhead kick went just wide in stoppage time.
Despite the draw, Coventry still control their destiny. A win away at Blackburn on Friday will secure their return to the Premier League.
Sheffield Wednesday, managed by Henrik Pedersen, have now recorded back-to-back draws and remain on minus four points due to off-field issues.
This result follows another goalless draw for Coventry earlier in the week against Hull City. Many had expected an easy win against a side that had lost 30 of their 41 league matches and were beaten 5-0 in the reverse fixture.
However, Coventry struggled to create clear chances again. Kitching’s header remained the closest either side came in a balanced first half.
Brandon Thomas-Asante missed a good opportunity when he failed to connect with a volley, while Jerry Yates also wasted a chance from close range for Wednesday.
Coventry pushed hard for a winner, with substitute Josh Eccles heading just wide. Simms then came very close in the final moments, but his effort struck the outside of the post.
Although it was a frustrating result, Coventry are still on course to end their 25-year wait for top-flight football if they win their next match.
Sheffield Wednesday will now look ahead to their next game against Charlton, hoping to avoid finishing the season without a home win.
