Watford vs Sheffield Wednesday: Semedo’s Stunning Last-Gasp Equaliser Denies Wednesday Rare Victory
Late Heartbreak as Watford Snatch Draw
Substitute Vivaldo Semedo’s equaliser in the seventh minute of stoppage time denied Sheffield Wednesday a second Championship win of the season in a thrilling encounter at Vicarage Road on Tuesday night. Charlie McNeill’s third goal in two games appeared to have handed rock-bottom Wednesday a rare bit of cheer in a difficult campaign, but the Hornets refused to surrender.
Championship Clash of Contrasting Fortunes
The match highlighted the stark contrast between two clubs with differing ambitions this season. Watford welcomed Sheffield Wednesday to Vicarage Road in search of a second straight victory to narrow their three-point gap to the Championship table’s top six. Meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday have endured an expectedly tough campaign thus far with a young and thin squad, currently sitting bottom of the Championship on -10 points having earned eight and been served with deductions totalling 18.
McNeill Strikes First
Max Alleyne’s poor headed clearance from Yan Valery’s cross fell straight to McNeill and crisp left-foot shot extended the Hornets’ dismal sequence of just one clean sheet since April. The 17th-minute goal put Wednesday ahead and gave the travelling fans hope of ending their winless run that stretched back to September.
Watford’s Frustrating Night
The hosts dominated possession and created numerous chances but struggled to find the breakthrough. Louza’s penalty, awarded for a foul on Bola by substitute Sean Fusire, rattled the crossbar and Edo Kayembe steered home the rebound, but Kayembe was penalised for encroaching. The missed penalty epitomised Watford’s frustration as they searched desperately for an equaliser.
Dramatic Finale
Just when wasteful Watford seemed to have run out of ideas, Semedo squeezed a volley from Mamadou Doumbia’s cross under goalkeeper Pierce Charles to salvage a point. Semedo’s second goal of the season broke the 1,578 travelling fans’ hearts, leaving Sheffield Wednesday to rue what might have been another crucial three points in their battle for Championship survival.
What This Means
The draw maintains Watford’s unbeaten home run under manager Javi Gracia whilst extending Sheffield Wednesday’s miserable form. For the Owls, the psychological impact of surrendering victory so late could prove damaging as they desperately seek points to climb away from the bottom of the table. For Watford, the result keeps them within touching distance of the play-off places, though they’ll know better finishing is required if they harbour genuine promotion ambitions.