Sunderland revived their hopes for automatic promotion from the championship after twice Eliezer Mayenda helped them beat Sheffield 2-1 in Hillsborough on Wednesday.
The successive losses to Leeds and Hull had left Black Cats eight points behind the second -place Sheffield United with 12 games left to play, but Mayenda – who also scored twice in the return match in August – helped lower this in ahead of the rest of the weekend’s action.
A fourth loss in five holds on Wednesday – who lost both Max Lowe and Callum Pateterson in the damage – down to 13, with a six -point gap in the Play -off places.
Although there was no lack of intensity, the game took some time to warm up. And, when it happened, Sheffield Wednesday should have been ahead, when one of the many Paul Valentin passes from the right he found Josh Windass – without a goal in 10 games – which exploded for the first time.
Sunderland took the lead shortly after the sign of half an hour – and in controversial circumstances.
Leo Hjelde’s long ball from the defense flew all the way to Mayenda, who checked the ball after Lowe’s poor jump and raised the ball across James Beadle. But the first contact was made with his left arm and, with the laws of the game, should not stay.
“It hits it in the arm and you can’t take advantage then,” said Andy Hinchcliffe in Sky Sports. “If you cross the ball over a teammate, they can put the ball in the back of the net, but Mayenda would never do it. He seizes the opportunity, but indeed the goal should not stand.”
At that time there was little call to the field, but Danny Rohl’s side would have seen a recurrence in half time and they set out to set the record immediately after the break, which lasted less than 120 seconds.
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Callum Paterson leads Sheffield Wednesday against Sunderland
Svante Ingelson struck Chris Mepham on the top to the right, advanced from the left and put the most attractive ball for Paterson, who rose to lead the ball in the past Anthony Patterson.
After a drowsiness in the procedure, Mayenda restored the visitors’ lead with 19 minutes from 90 to play. Trai Hume delivered a great ball from the right and, with Michael Ihiekwe looking at the ball, the Spaniard was free to run the ball beyond Beadle.
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Mayenda goes home to set up the Sunderland again forward
At the time of the detention, Head Gassama saw a powerful low stroke boldly blocked by Mefam, but otherwise there were few indications that Owls outside the shape would ever find a way out in the game.
manager
Danny Rohl of Sheffield on Wednesday:
“I have to say again, we played again a fantastic game against a strong side. Good opportunities to score, we accepted two light goals and then, after all, you have a big decision against you. Footballs football at the moment. But the goals accepted are very easy and, to me, this is the main part.
“When I saw the goal we accepted, this is a handball, that’s why I have a clear mind for what we have to do in this situation. At the moment, what should I do? For me, it has to do with what can change as a manager of this group and we have to work hard, do the basics again and again.
“Possession of the ball and the way we create chances was good to see; it was dynamics, the front foot protection; we were brave in many good moments, but it ended 2-1 against us.
“If we continue our shows like this, in the last 11 matches we have a great opportunity, great to get something.”
Regis Le Bris i Sunderland:
“The important victory after two losses, in a difficult field, but this was the case for both teams. We started well and after that, the dynamics of the game was a little strange because it was not easy to keep the ball and impose our style of play.
“But at least we showed our character; especially after the draw at the beginning of the second half, it was important to react. It was a good victory, three good points.
“It’s not always a matter of football qualities, it’s a character of the character and I think the team’s resistance, the connection – even with the new beginners, the young players who came to the end of the game – we felt the energy and willingness to win, even if it was not impressive with the quality of football we played.”
