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Huddersfield 0 Sheffield Wednesday 0 – Match report

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Huddersfield 0 Sheff Wed 0: Controversy in Yorkshire derby as Helan stays on after being booked twice

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UPDATED:

16:00 GMT, 29 December 2012

Sheffield Wednesday extended their unbeaten run in the npower Championship to four matches but were given a helping hand by referee Mick Russell in a fiercely-contested Yorkshire derby.

Wednesday, who have climbed out of the relegation zone after three straight wins over the Christmas period, should have been reduced to 10 men midway through the first half when key player Jeremy Helan was shown a second yellow card.

But Russell did not realise he had already booked the on-loan Manchester City midfielder and amid furious protestations from Huddersfield players and management, the Herefordshire official allowed Helan to play on.

Controversial moment: Wednesday's Jeremy Helan appears to receive a second yellow card from referee Mick Russell, but he was not sent off

Controversial moment: Wednesday's Jeremy Helan appears to receive a second yellow card from referee Mick Russell, but he was not sent off

Flashpoint: Referee Mick Russell and his assistants are harangued by Huddersfield players at half-time

Flashpoint: Referee Mick Russell and his assistants are harangued by Huddersfield players at half-time

MATCH FACTS

Huddersfield: Smithies, Gerrard, Wallace, Hunt (Dixon 70), Lynch, Clayton, Hammill, Southern, Atkinson (Scannell 62), Church (Vaughan 62), Beckford

Subs not used: Bennett, P Clarke, Norwood, Novak

Booked: Hunt, Dixon, Hammill

Sheffield Wednesday: Kirkland, Buxton, R Johnson, Gardner, Llera, Antonio (J Johnson 88), McCabe, Lee, Helan, Prutton, Madine (Sidibe 65)

Subs not used: /12/29/article-2254589-16AEDFC8000005DC-979_634x419.jpg” width=”634″ height=”419″ alt=”Battle: Sean Scannell of Huddersfield (left) fights for the ball with Rhys McCabe of Sheffield Wednesday” class=”blkBorder” />

Battle: Sean Scannell of Huddersfield (left) fights for the ball with Rhys McCabe of Sheffield Wednesday

Physical: Adam Hammill of Huddersfield (left) collides with Wednesday's Reda Johnson

Physical: Adam Hammill of Huddersfield (left) collides with Wednesday's Reda Johnson

Amid chants of 'you don't know what you're doing' the referee's gaffe was also pointed out by Grayson to fourth official Duncan Street and assistant referee Wayne Grunnill, but under the laws of the game, once Russell had restarted play following the foul, he was unable to retrospectively correct his mistake.

Town carved out their only clear-cut chance of the opening half a minute before the interval.

Church's low shot following Adam Clayton's cross was brilliantly saved by Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland and the score remained goalless at half-time.

Wednesday winger Michail Antonio almost cashed in on Wallace's slip on the edge of the area a minute into the second period, but dragged his shot wide, and soon after crossed tantalisingly to the far post, inches away from the outstretched boot of Madine.

Snap shit: Huddersfield's James Vaughan fires in a shot during the 0-0 draw at the John Smith's Stadium

Snap shit: Huddersfield's James Vaughan fires in a shot during the 0-0 draw at the John Smith's Stadium

Toe-to-toe: Kieran Lee and Murray Wallace slide in

Toe-to-toe: Kieran Lee and Murray Wallace slide in

Huddersfield responded in the 59th minute, but Clayton headed tamely at Kirkland following Hammill's pinpoint cross before Grayson sent on Sean Scannell and Vaughan for Atkinson and Church respectively.

Wednesday substitute Sidibe replaced Madine in the 65th minute and Huddersfield swapped injured right-back Jack Hunt with Paul Dixon five minutes later.

Dixon was booked soon after for bringing Antonio's marauding run crashing to an end.

Sidibe lashed a 25-yard shot high and wide in the 84th minute before Sidibe's header from Rhys McCabe's corner was superbly tipped away by Smithies and Vaughan's volley shaved the post at the other end.

Sheffield Wednesday X Charlton X – match report

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Sheffield Wednesday 2 Charlton 0: McCabe and Helan make it two on the spin for Owls

PUBLISHED:

17:32 GMT, 22 December 2012

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UPDATED:

17:32 GMT, 22 December 2012

Rhys McCabe struck his first senior goal and Jeremy Helan was also on target as Sheffield Wednesday climbed out of the bottom three of the npower Championship with a second successive win.

Scottish midfielder McCabe, a summer signing from Rangers, slammed home a superb volley from the edge of the penalty area midway through the first half and Frenchman Helan marked his final game for the Owls before his return to parent club Manchester City with the second in the fourth minute of time added on.

Charlton, who lost their first league game in eight at Bolton last week, turned in a disappointing display and mustered only two efforts on goal throughout the match.

On the rise: Rhys McCabe gets the plaudits after firing Wednesday's opener

On the rise: Rhys McCabe gets the plaudits after firing Wednesday's opener

Match facts

Sheff Wed: Kirkland, Buxton, Gardner, Llera, Reda Johnson, Antonio, McCabe, Prutton (Lines 67), Helan, Madine (Sidibe 87), O'Grady (Lee 74). Subs not used: /12/22/article-2252075-169FD686000005DC-440_468x308.jpg” width=”468″ height=”308″ alt=”Getting to grips: Anthony Gardner brings down Ricardo Fuller” class=”blkBorder” />

Getting to grips: Anthony Gardner brings down Ricardo Fuller

Chances at either end after the break
were few and far between, with only Gardner's 56th-minute header
threatening Hamer, who then held on to O'Grady's angled drive, while
Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland remained completely redundant.

The Addicks, who had failed to score
in two of their last three matches, had still not had a single shot by
the hour-mark and boss Chris Powell withdrew Salim Kerkar in the 63rd
minute and sent on fellow striker Ricardo Fuller, returning to action
after a four-game lay-off due to a hamstring injury.

Wednesday were dealt a blow when Prutton was forced off injured and replaced by Chris Lines in the 67th minute.

Fuller had the visitors' first shot
two minutes later, but his 25-yard effort was blocked by Llera and with
12 minutes left Powell sent on forward Rob Hulse and midfielder Danny
Green for Danny Haynes and Emmanuel Frimpong respectively.

But it was Wednesday who threatened
again. Helan, pushed up into midfield in his last match for the Owls,
fired a shot straight at Hamer from the edge of the box and although
another Fuller effort was blocked by Owls defender Lewis Buxton, Helan
made the game safe for the Owls by stabbing home from close range in the
fourth minute of injury time.

Derby 1 Cardiff 1 – match report: Theo Robinson denies leaders

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Derby 1 Cardiff 1: Noone red card opens door for Rams to deny leaders another win

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UPDATED:

22:11 GMT, 27 November 2012

Craig Noone's sending-off proved costly for npower Championship leaders Cardiff as Derby hit back to claim a deserved point that maintained their fine record at Pride Park.

After falling behind to Heidar Helguson's close-range header in the 11th minute, the Rams, who have lost just once at home this term, enjoyed much the better of proceedings.

Yet it was only after Noone had seen red for two yellow cards in the space of three second-half minutes that Derby found a way through, with Theo Robinson converting a square pass from Craig Bryson.

Equaliser: Theo Robinson (left) celebrates after scoring for Derby against Cardiff

Equaliser: Theo Robinson (left) celebrates after scoring for Derby against Cardiff

MATCH FACTS

Derby: Legzdins, Brayford, Keogh, Buxton, Roberts (O'Connor 26), Coutts, Bryson, Hughes, Jacobs (Tyson 67), Sammon, Robinson (Hendrick 82).

Subs Not Used: Fielding, O'Brien, Davies, Freeman.

Booked: Bryson,O'Connor.

Goals: Robinson 69.

Cardiff: Marshall, Connolly, Hudson, Nugent, Ralls, Noone, Whittingham, Gunnarsson (Conway 73), Kim, Helguson (Mason 79), Bellamy (Mutch 70).

Subs Not Used: Parish, Kiss, Gestede, John.

Sent Off: Noone (63).

Booked: Noone,Mutch.

Goals: Helguson 11.

Att: 20,911

Ref: Mark Brown (East Yorkshire).

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE, FIXTURES AND RESULTS

Cardiff boast a perfect record at
home this term, but points on the road have proven harder to come by,
with Saturday's triumph at Barnsley only their third away win in nine
attempts.

Malky Mackay's men defended
resolutely on this occasion, but could have few complaints at being
denied a fifth successive league victory over Derby.

Craig Bellamy and Joe Ralls replaced
Joe Mason and the suspended Simon Lappin in a Cardiff line-up still
missing several players through injury, while County were unchanged
after young midfielder Will Hughes shook off an ankle knock.

Both sides had chances prior to the visitors' early opener.

Bellamy should have done better when
firing high over the bar from 25 yards, while Derby skipper Richard
Keogh leapt highest to meet a right-wing corner, only for Noone to
scramble the ball off the line.

Cardiff were soon in front courtesy
of Helguson, who was on hand to nod home a rebound after Mark Hudson's
looping header had been tipped on to the crossbar by Adam Legzdins.

Michael Jacobs curled an effort
narrowly wide and Hudson produced a fine aerial clearance to deny
Robinson as Derby responded well.

After Kim Bo-kyung and Bryson had
seen chances go begging at either end, the Rams were then forced into a
change in the 28th minute as Gareth O'Connor replaced a limping Gareth
Roberts.

Can't miss: Striker Heidar Helguson (right) scores for Cardiff early on

Can't miss: Striker Heidar Helguson (right) scores for Cardiff early on

Nigel Clough's men finished the first
half stronger and David Marshall pulled off a fine low save to deny
Paul Coutts before Jake Buxton sent a header on to the roof of the net.

Cardiff remained on the back foot
after the interval, but could have extended their lead when Bellamy
broke clear on the counter. However, the veteran forward once again
failed to keep his shot down.

Strong appeals for a Derby penalty
were waved away after Noone appeared to block Bryson's goalbound shot
with his arm. Yet within seconds, the Cardiff winger was handed a second
booking in quick succession following a late challenge on Hughes.

The hosts swiftly capitalised as Bryson surged into the area before squaring to leave Robinson with the simplest of tap-ins.

Helguson almost restored his team's
lead when he beat Legzdins to a left-wing cross, yet the momentum
remained with Derby and full-back John Brayford twice went close before
another shout for handball in the Cardiff area, this time by Peter
Whittingham, fell on deaf ears.

Ultimately, the Welsh side were able
to hold on, although Paul Connolly was forced to head off the line
during six minutes of injury-time.

Sheff Wed 2 Peterborough 1: Match report

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Sheff Wed 2 Peterborough 1: Owls bank win though Barkley and Llera

PUBLISHED:

17:46 GMT, 3 November 2012

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UPDATED:

17:46 GMT, 3 November 2012

Sheffield Wednesday eased themselves away from the relegation zone with their first home win since August.

The Owls, who registered a first win in 10 npower Championship games at Ipswich last week, backed it up with a vital and deserved success over struggling Posh.

It was far from a classic at Hillsborough, but in-form Ross Barkley enhanced his growing reputation further when he struck less than 20 seconds into the second period with a deflected effort.

Owls on the rise: Miguel Llera scored the second

Owls on the rise: Miguel Llera scored the second

Match facts

Latest Championship table, fixtures and results

SHEFF WED: Kirkland, Buxton, Gardner, Llera, Jones, Antonio, Semedo, Corry (McCabe 24), Barkley, Bothroyd (Jermaine Johnson 90),, O'Grady (Madine 68). Subs not used: Davies, Taylor, Mattock, Rodri.

Goals: Barkley 46, llera 76

Booked: Barkley

PETERBOROUGH: Olejnik, Little, Brisley, Bostwick, Alcock, Knight-Percival, Boyd, Ntlhe (Newell 62), McCann (Swanson 74), Tomlin, Berahino (Mendez-Laing 82). Subs not used: Day, Zakuani, Barnett, Ferdinand.

Goals: Boyd 79

Booked: Bostwick

Referee: Darren Drysdale

Att: 22,406

Defender Miguel Llera doubled that lead in the 76th minute with a header as the Owls looked on course for a routine win.

Peterborough, who had won their last
two league games, made a game of it when George Boyd drove home from 18
yards, but Wednesday held firm.

The win sees Dave Jones' men leapfrog
Posh in the table and Wednesday fans will hope that after their horror
run of form through the autumn, they can finally start looking up.

That dire sequence of nine league
games without a win finally ended with a superb 3-0 win at struggling
Ipswich last week and the Owls were keen to maintain that momentum in
the opening exchanges.

Indeed, they looked the more
threatening and Barkley, scorer of a brace at Portman Road, tested Posh
keeper Bobby Olejnik, who turned the on-loan Everton man's effort from
distance around the post.

It was far from one-way traffic, but
the Owls continued to carve out the chances and Llera headed a Jay
Bothroyd corner narrowly over the bar.

Owls midfielder Paul Corry, who had
been making Wednesday tick in recent weeks, suffered an injury and had
to be replaced by fit-again Rhys McCabe and that disrupted the hosts'
flow.

With Peterborough unable to take
advantage the game descended into a low-quality affair played mainly in
the middle third, with the half-time whistle coming as a relief to all.

However, the game needed less than 20 seconds after the restart to come to life and it was Wednesday that forged into the lead.

Virtually straight from kick-off the
ball was pumped up to Chris O'Grady, he flicked on and Barkley fired
home from inside the penalty with an effort that appeared to be
deflected.

Unfortunately, that proved to be an
isolated moment of excitement and the game reverted to the drab
encounter of the first half.

The Posh have not been known for
their inability to get on the scoresheet in recent years, but Chris
Kirkland in the Wednesday net hardly had a save to make and it was
Wednesday that looked like doubling their advantage.

There were shouts for a penalty when
Michail Antonio was bundled over, but referee Darren Drysdale kept his
whistle away from his lips and then the Owls winger prodded wide when he
found himself in space.

Wednesday thought they had made the
game safe with 14 minutes to go when Llera headed home Antonio's cross
from six yards out for his third goal of the campaign to double their
lead.

But Posh finally stirred and
immediately gave themselves a lifeline when Body drilled in from the
edge of the area following a corner.

However, Darren Ferguson's men were unable to launch a late onslaught and Wednesday saw it out relatively trouble-free.

Nottingham Forest 0 Derby 1 – match report

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Nottingham Forest 0 Derby 1: Rams rock rivals thanks to Bryson intervention

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UPDATED:

14:35 GMT, 30 September 2012

Craig Bryson gave Derby their third successive win over 10-man Nottingham Forest after Dexter Blackstock was sent off in an ill-tempered east midlands derby.

A player had been dismissed in each of the last three meetings between these sides and a fourth always looked likely once the bruising challenges flew in from the off in this npower Championship encounter.

Sean O'Driscoll's side shaded the first period with Simon Cox skewing a swerving effort just past the post.

Close range: Craig Bryson scores the winner

Close range: Craig Bryson scores the winner

Match facts

Nottingham Forest: Camp, Halford (Moloney 78) Ayala, Collins, Harding, Gillett, McGugan (Lansbury 75), Cohen, Reid (Sharp 74), Cox, Blackstock.

Subs not used: Evtimov, Moussi, Coppinger, Majewski.

Booked: Gillett, Reid, Lansbury

Sent off: Blackstock

Derby: Fielding, Brayford, Buxton, Keogh, Roberts (O'Connor 78), Coutts, Bryson, Hendrick, Hughes, Ward (Jacobs 65), Sammon (Robinson 82).

Subs not used: Legzdins, Tyson, Gjokaj, Freeman

Booked: Roberts, Buxton

Goal: Bryson 55

Att: 28,707

Ref: Robert Madley (West Yorkshire)

But the game's turning point came only
32 seconds after the break when Blackstock was sent off for what was
controversially deemed a deliberate elbow into Richard Keogh's head.

The 10 men found themselves behind nine minutes later when Bryson swept home to round off a flowing move down the right.

The Rams were indebted to goalkeeper
Frank Fielding, who made a fine save to deny Simon Gillett at the death
and confirm the three points.

Forest, who left out new loan recruit
Jermaine Jenas, had struck an early blow in this fixture on the previous
three occasions, but they were unable to repeat the feat.

They may well have done, though, had a
penalty been awarded when Cox's cross struck Jake Buxton's arm with
referee Robert Madley viewing the contact as accidental.

Any hopes Madley had of enjoying a quiet Sunday afternoon were soon dashed as both sides set the tone with crunching challenges.

Forest came close as Greg Halford's
long throw somehow evaded everybody before the City Ground erupted in
collective rage as Gareth Roberts became the latest player booked for a
wild lunge on Chris Cohen.

Fielding was grateful for another
blast of Madley's whistle as the Rams stopper was fouled in the build-up
to Danny Collins' header which hit the crossbar.

Conor Sammon and Cox ended the half by trading long-range efforts but the sides went into the break deadlocked.

Richard Keogh and Bryson celebrate

Chris Cohen in dejection

Contrast: Richard Keogh and Bryson celebrate while Chris Cohen is left dejected

Thump: Andy Reid and Bryson (right) battle for the ball

Thump: Andy Reid and Bryson (right) battle for the ball

Thump: Andy Reid and Bryson (right) battle for the ball

If Madley had been conservative with his cards in the first 45 minutes, he sent out a huge message seconds after the interval.

Blackstock leapt with Keogh and, as
both sides wondered if the decision had gone their way, the Forest
striker was shown a straight red for elbowing Derby's skipper in the
head.

Blackstock walked off perplexed and the visitors soon made their numerical advantage count.

A lovely move down the right involving
John Brayford, Will Hughes and Paul Coutts ended with the latter
squaring an enticing centre which Bryson slotted home.

Scrap: Forest's Dan Harding is barged by Paul Coutts

Scrap: Forest's Dan Harding is barged by Paul Coutts

Tussle: Daniel Ayala and Conor Sammon (right)

Tussle: Daniel Ayala and Conor Sammon (right)

Sent off: Dexter Blackstock was dismissed for an elbow

Sent off: Dexter Blackstock was dismissed for an elbow

Jamie Ward left the pitch injured but
Nigel Clough's side continued to press forward as Bryson forced Lee Camp
into a smart stop.

O'Driscoll made a double switch,
introducing Billy Sharp and Henri Lansbury, and Fielding almost gifted
Forest an equaliser when he fumbled a Halford free-kick before gathering
at the second attempt.

But the Rams stopper was alert when called upon again, pushing away Gillett's stinging volley.

Cox and Lansbury were booked in the
closing stages to irk the home supporters further before a minor
confrontation involving Theo Robinson greeted the final whistle, in what
was a fitting end to a fiery affair.

Huddersfield 1 Derby 0: Danny Ward scores winner in 47 seconds

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Huddersfield 1 Derby 0: Quick-fire Ward takes just 47 seconds to net winner

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UPDATED:

17:15 GMT, 15 September 2012

Football League blog

Danny Ward scored after just 47 seconds as Huddersfield beat toothless Derby to continue their encouraging start to life in the npower Championship.

The former Bolton winger caught the Rams cold when he turned in Adam Hammill's cross and that proved to be enough to give the Terriers their second win of the season.

After a terrible start, Derby played some attractive football but they lacked a cutting edge and were unable to rescue a point which would have been no more than they deserved.

Gone in 47 seconds: Danny Ward celebrates his early winner for Huddersfield

Gone in 47 seconds: Danny Ward celebrates his early winner for Huddersfield

Match facts

Huddersfield: Smithies, Hunt, Peter Clarke, Lynch, Dixon, Hammill (Arfield 86), Ward (Novak 67), Norwood, Clayton, Southern, Vaughan (Scannell 89). Subs not used: Bennett, Woods, Gerrard, Lee.

Booked: Dixon, Hunt, Lynch.

Scorer: Ward 1.

Derby: Fielding, Brayford, Keogh, O'Connor, Roberts (Buxton 90), Hughes, Bryson, Hendrick, Doyle (Jacobs 64), Ward, Sammon (Robinson 78). Subs not used: Legzdins, Tyson, Gjokaj, Freeman.

Booked: Ward.

Referee: Trevor Kettle.

Attendance: 15,265.

Huddersfield have lost just once since returning to the second tier and look very much at home at this level, with Simon Grayson having blended together a well organised side.

The Derby coach was late arriving after being held up in traffic and Nigel Clough's side were caught napping after just 47 seconds when Huddersfield took the lead.

Hammill was the architect, with the on-loan winger making an instant impact on his home debut as he raced down the right unchallenged and was allowed to pick out the on-rushing Ward, who got in front of his marker and diverted the ball past Frank Fielding with a neat right-foot finish.

The Rams were guilty of some sloppy passing and continued to create problems for themselves but started to get into their stride with some slick passing and movement.

Delighted: Huddersfield manager Simon Grayson

Delighted: Huddersfield manager Simon Grayson

And it needed a great last ditch tackle from Terriers captain Peter Clarke to get team-mate Paul Dixon out of jail after the full-back's poor pass let in Jamie Ward, who laid the ball off to Connor Sammon. Clarke stepped in with a brilliantly timed tackle to deny the big striker as he was seemingly poised to equalise.

Derby continued to dominate possession
but Huddersfield looked dangerous going forward and Craig Bryson
breathed a sigh of relief when he headed a free-kick wide of his own
goal.

Rams boss Clough
clearly had a few words to say to his players at half-time as they made a
bright start to the second half, but Huddersfield almost doubled their
lead when Adam Clayton's drive was tipped around the post by Fielding.

But
the Terriers were struggling to keep hold of the ball and Conor Doyle
spurned a great chance to equalise when he fired over the crossbar at
the far post after a good run from the lively Jamie Ward.

Former
Terriers striker Theo Robinson was given a warm ovation when he
replaced Sammon with 12 minutes remaining with Derby still enjoying
plenty of possession but lacking quality in the final third.

Huddersfield sat deeper as the clocked ticked down and the Rams had a big shout for a penalty deep into stoppage time.

Referee Trevor Kettle waved play on when Jeff Hendrick went down in the area after a strong challenge in the air and the Terriers held on for all three points.

Bolton 2 Derby 0

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Bolton 2 Derby 0: Veteran Davies leads Trotters' to first league victory

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UPDATED:

21:32 GMT, 21 August 2012

Second-half goals from Kevin Davies and Chris Eagles got Bolton's npower Championship promotion bid up and running at the Reebok Stadium.

Owen Coyle's side suffered a chastening opening-day defeat against his former employers Burnley, but they recovered from a lacklustre first hour to see off Derby.

Debutant Conor Sammon should have given the Rams an early lead and, although Marvin Sordell went close at the other end, Bolton departed to boos at the interval.

Opener: Kevin Davies (centre right) celebrates scoring his sides first goal

Opener: Kevin Davies (centre right) celebrates scoring his sides first goal

MATCH FACTS:

Bolton: Bogdan, Mears, Knight, Mills, Ricketts, Lee, Mark Davies, Andrews, Eagles, Sordell (Afobe 60), Kevin Davies.

Subs Not Used: Lonergan, Alonso, Ream, Petrov, Wylde, Pratley.

Booked: Mills, Mark Davies, Knight.

Goals: Kevin Davies 77,Eagles 90.

Derby: Fielding, Brayford, Keogh, O'Connor, Roberts, Coutts, Bryson,
Hendrick,Ward,Sammon (Hughes 69),Tyson (Bennett 84).

Subs Not Used: Legzdins, Buxton, Jacobs, Doyle, Gjokaj.

Booked: Tyson.

Att: 17,050

Ref: Craig Pawson (South Yorkshire).

Nigel Clough's men were quickest out of the blocks once again after the interval, with Nathan Tyson going close before Richard Keogh's strike from a corner was ruled out for a foul.

Following a spell of persistent Wanderers pressure, Davies finished legally from a corner and Eagles made sure of the points – but not until Derby substitute Mason Bennett had rattled the post.

Matt Mills made his Bolton debut at centre-back and Eagles got the nod on the left wing as Tim Ream and Martin Petrov dropped to the bench.

Sammon came straight into the Derby attack at the expense of 17-year-old Will Hughes after joining from Wigan yesterday, while James O'Connor was handed a first start in defence with Jake Buxton laid low by illness.

Sammon had the opportunity to make perfect start in the third minute when he burst through on goal but could not fully shake the attentions of Mills and shot tamely at Adam Bogdan in the Bolton goal.

Wanderers widemen Eagles and Lee Chung-yong responded with speculative efforts in quick succession, although the latter then wildly slashed a shot out for a throw.

Eagles' aim was truer in the 18th minute when his pinpoint cross found Sordell, but the Team GB striker headed wide when well placed.

The half took on a disjointed feel from that point and anxiety in the Reebok Stadium stands momentarily spread to the pitch as Bogdan fumbled Jamie Ward's corner, prompting a scramble concluded by Keith Andrews' clearance.

Off and running: Davies sends Bolton on their way to victory

Off and running: Davies sends Bolton on their way to victory

Derby saw a golden chance slip shortly after the restart when Mark Davies produced a goal-saving tackle to deny Nathan Tyson with the goal at his mercy.

From the resulting corner Rams defender Richard Keogh had the ball in the net as Bogdan flailed once more, but referee Craig Pawson spotted an infringement.

Sordell and Eagles troubled the visitors goal as Wanderers looked to respond and the former made way for Benik Afobe with an hour gone.

The on-loan Arsenal youngster almost made an instant impact when he forced a superb fingertip save from Derby's Frank Fielding after latching on to Davies' delicate chip.

Battle: Chris Eagles in action with Gareth Roberts of Derby County

Battle: Chris Eagles in action with Gareth Roberts of Derby County

That chance prompted waves of Bolton pressure and although Fielding made another excellent reaction save from Eagles, he was forced to pick the ball out of his net in the 76th minute.

Eagles' left-wing corner fell invitingly and Davies made no mistake, slamming home emphatically.

Another uncertain Bogdan moment followed as Bennett's drive squirmed under his dive and against the post.

But Coyle and co could breath easily early in stoppage time when Eagles forced his way through a pair of challenges to slot an assured low finish.

Sheffield Wednesday 3 Birmingham 2: Rodri scores on his debut

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Sheffield Wednesday 3 Birmingham 2: Debut boy Rodri makes his mark

By
Sportsmail Reporter

PUBLISHED:

21:12 GMT, 21 August 2012

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UPDATED:

21:12 GMT, 21 August 2012

New signing Rodri marked a stunning debut with a goal as Sheffield Wednesday defeated Birmingham in the npower Championship at Hillsborough.

After Reda Johnson capitalised on a handling error from England goalkeeper Jack Butland to head the opener, the tricky forward – signed on loan from Barcelona B on Monday – rewarded manager David Jones for handing him his first start with a well-taken finish.

The former Spain Under-21 international should have converted Wednesday's first attack of the match, but made up for his miss six minutes before half-time by wrong-footing Steven Caldwell and firing in Wednesday's second.

Dream start: Rodri celebrates scoring the second goal for Sheffield Wednesday

Dream start: Rodri celebrates scoring the second goal for Sheffield Wednesday

MATCH FACTS:

Sheff Wed: Kirkland, Buxton, Llera, Beevers, Reda Johnson, Jermaine Johnson, Semedo, McCabe, Antonio (Maguire 90), O'Grady (Pecnik 81), Rodri (Madine 61).

Subs Not Used: Bywater, Mattock, Prutton, Coke.

Booked: Rodri.

Goals: Reda Johnson 14, Rodri 39, Jermaine Johnson 89.

Birmingham: Butland, Redmond, Caldwell, Davies, Elliott (Zigic 46), Murphy, Burke, Mullins, Spector, Ambrose, King.

Subs Not Used: Doyle, Ibanez, Lovenkrands, Morrison, Gomis, Packwood.

Booked: Zigic.

Goals: Zigic 78, King 90 pen.

Attendance: 25,379

Referee: Geoff Eltringham

Check out all the latest, stats, facts and table from the Championship

Blues manager Lee Clark introduced
Nikola Zigic, the scorer of his side's equaliser against Charlton on
Saturday, at half-time and the tall striker reduced the deficit 15
minutes from time with a tap-in at the back post.

But Jermaine Johnson netted a late
third and, although Marlon King converted a last-gasp penalty, the
victory preserved Jones' unbeaten competitive record as Owls boss since
taking over at the helm from Gary Megson last season.

With just three minutes on the clock,
Rodri almost made an immediate impact. Jose Semedo received the ball
down the left from Johnson and provided a cut-back from the byline to
Rodri, who could only guide his side-footed effort wide of the post.

Birmingham started to settle and,
after a free-kick on the right from the lively Chris Burke found its way
into the path of Caldwell unmarked at the back post, the defender stung
the palms of Chris Kirkland.

It was Wednesday who deservedly took
the lead after 14 minutes when Olympian Butland, under no real pressure,
let an outswinging Semedo cross slip through his hands and onto the
head of Johnson, who nodded into the empty net for his second goal in as
many matches.

Blues midfielder Darren Ambrose –
making his 300th career league appearance – found space on the edge of
the box, but could only send a shot high over Kirkland's bar.

Wednesday made their dominance count
after 39 minutes when Rodri latched onto a well-timed through ball,
fooled the backtracking Caldwell with a clever step-over and fired the
ball left-footed beneath a helpless Butland into the bottom corner.

The visitors came out firing after
the restart, with Zigic leading the line, and King had a half-volley
tipped over by Kirkland, who denied the striker again after Burke fired a
glorious chance wide moments earlier.

Rodri was given a standing ovation
when he was withdrawn on the hour mark, but Blues gave themselves a
lifeline 15 minutes later when Zigic latched onto a David Murphy cross
to poke home at the back post.

However, Johnson raced clear within
two minutes remaining to fire past Butland before King's penalty, after
Burke was dragged down in the area, proved to be a consolation.

Derby 5 Scunthorpe 5: Capital One Cup first round thriller settled on penalties

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It was horrible… Scunthorpe boss relieved after shootout ends 5-5 cup thriller at Derby

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UPDATED:

08:55 GMT, 15 August 2012

Scunthorpe manager Alan Knill described his side's victory over Derby in the Capital One Cup first round as the most remarkable match he has seen.

The Iron overturned a 3-0 half-time deficit and went on to beat their npower Championship opponents 7-6 in a penalty shoot-out at Pride Park.

Knill, whose team struck twice in injury time to draw level at 5-5 at the end of 90 minutes, said: 'I can't think I've ever seen anything like that. That has to be the most remarkable match I have ever seen.

Relief: Scunthorpe players celebrate beating Derby after a penalty shootout

Relief: Scunthorpe players celebrate beating Derby after a penalty shootout following their 5-5 draw

'I can't get my head round it. To be honest, it was a horrible game from start to finish and I already feel as though I've been through half a season's worth of emotion.

'We didn't get a tackle in for 45 minutes but when you are in trouble the only thing to do is go forward and have a go. That's what we did and by the end of normal time I felt we were well on top.

'I was confident about our first five penalty takers but wondered how it would go when we got down to the next lot – the ones who were hiding and didn't want to do it.

'In the event they all looked full of confidence and did the business.'

Richard Keogh, Jake Buxton and Theo Robinson gave Derby a seemingly unassailable three-goal lead at the break before Scunthorpe striker Andy Barcham pulled one back seven minutes after the restart.

Comeback starts here: Scunthorpe's Andy Barcham scores their first goal

Comeback starts here: Scunthorpe's Andy Barcham scores the Iron's first goal at Pride Park

Buxton headed home his second within a minute to restore the Rams' three-goal cushion, but the Iron hit back through Mike Grella, in the 63rd minute, and Bobby Grant 10 minutes later.

Scunthorpe goalkeeper Sam Slocombe kept out Robinson's 72nd-minute penalty after David Mirfin's foul on Keogh.

Nathan Tyson headed home Derby's fifth goal in the 83rd minute, but Scunthorpe were not finished and grabbed a fourth through substitute Connor Jennings in the fourth minute of injury time and an equaliser two minutes later when Grant slammed home a penalty following Michael Jacobs' foul on Josh Walker.

Derby manager Nigel Clough said: 'We haven't even started our league programme yet and we are already feeling rotten.

'This was an absolutely bizarre game. We had enough chances to score 15 goals and that was the main failing as far as I am concerned.'

England v Australia – win one-day international tickets

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WIN tickets to watch England v Australia at the Oval – courtesy of ASDA and Buxton

UPDATED:

16:43 GMT, 25 June 2012

Asda

Sportsmail has teamed up with Buxton Water and Asda to give three lucky readers the chance to watch England take on Australia in the NatWest One Day International series at the Kia Oval on Sunday, July 1st.

To be in with a chance, answer the following question:

Who is England's one-day international captain
A) Alastair Cook
B) Ravi Bopara
C) Andrew Strauss

E-mail your answer, along with your name, address and contact number to:

sportcomp@dailymail.co.uk

to arrive by 11am on Wedesday, June 27.

PLEASE NOTE: You must validate your entry with the words ASDA CRICKET TICKETS in your subject box; the tickets do not include travel to/from the ground, accommodation or hospitality; normal Associated Newspapers terms and conditions apply – the Editor's decision is final.

Win tickets to watch England v Australia - courtesy of Buxton Water and ASDA

Buxton, official mineral water of the England cricket team, and ASDA, entering its 7th year of sponsorship of the national Kwik Cricket competition, have joined forces to help children in the UK get healthy and active through cricket. ASDA stores handed out over 25,000 of healthy refreshments and Buxton provided water to keep a total of over 140,000 children hydrated at Kwik Cricket festivals each summer.
Go to www.asda.com/kwikcricket for more details.