Sheff Wed 1-0 Sheff Utd

Steve Watson's volleyed lob gave Sheffield Wednesday victory over Sheffield United, who had Matt Kilgallon sent off on 27 minutes.

Kilgallon was dismissed for a high, studs-up lunge on Sean McAllister before Watson lifted a superb shot over stranded keeper Paddy Kenny.

Wednesday should have gone two goals up but Kenny saved Deon Burton's penalty.

Late on Jermaine Johnson was sent off, after he had been substituted, for kicking a water bottle into the crowd.

Sheffield Wednesday manager Brian Laws:

"No question about it, the red card changed the game completely around on its head, and it turned in to a nervy game for the rest of it.

"I have sympathy for Kevin Blackwell, because from where we were, which was very close, it looked a yellow card.

"The goal was sublime. It was composure and it capped a man-of-the-match performance for me from Steve Watson.

"His awareness as to where Paddy Kenny was, he had to be accurate. It was a great finish and it set the tone of the game."

Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell:

"If that's a sending off we might as well pack up and go home.

"There was no malicious intent there. If he's to take a booking, fair enough, but that was pathetic.

"I've no complaints with the players, they gave me everything and we still had them hanging on at the end."

Sheff Wed: Grant, McMahon, Beevers, Wood, Spurr, McAllister, Watson, O'Connor (Esajas 78), Johnson (Sodje 68), Burton (Jeffers 82), Tudgay.
Subs Not Used: Smith, Buxton.

Sent Off: Johnson (68).

Booked: O'Connor, Johnson, Sodje.

Goals: Watson 35.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Naughton, Kilgallon, Ehiogu, Naysmith, Cotterill (Morgan 29), Speed, Howard (Stokes 67), Quinn, Beattie, Sharp (Webber 58). Subs Not Used: Jihai, Spring.

Sent Off: Kilgallon (27).

Booked: Naysmith, Ehiogu.

Att: 30,441

Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).