Sheffield Wednesday hold Huddersfield to frustrating home draw in play-off first leg

Huddersfield were held to a goalless draw by Sheffield Wednesday in the Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final first leg at the John Smith’s Stadium.

The Terriers dominated for large spells in the first-half but failed to capitalise on their possession. Their best opportunity of a tepid affair fell to on-loan Chelsea midfielder Isaiah Brown who poked his shot at the crossbar whilst off-balance.

The second period was played out in similar fashion with the hosts failing to penetrate the Wednesday defence. Nahki Wells came closest for Huddersfield as he twice tested Keiren Westwood but found the Irish goalkeeper in inspired form.

Carlos Carvalhal’s side were happy to sit back and contain their opposition but almost broke the deadlock against the run of play twice with both Adam Reach and Barry Bannan firing inches wide.

In the end, the visitors will be satisfied with the away draw and will bid to win the game at Hillsborough on Wednesday to seal a place in the play-off final at Wembley for the second consecutive season.

Huddersfield’s best opportunity has been missed: The Terriers looked the club most likely to nick an automatic position from beneath the nose of Newcastle and Brighton, so it’s a shame that their season is probably going to end in disappointment. David Wagner’s side haven’t beaten Wednesday in the last eight meetings - losing five of those - and it’s asking a lot to emerge victorious at Hillsborough.

Keiran Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday) - Was a spectator for large parts of the match, but sprung into life when called upon and denied Wells with a fantastic save.

Huddersfield: Coleman 6; Lowe 7, Schindler 6, Hefele 6, Smith 7; Mooy 8, Hogg 6, Brown 6, Van La Parra 7, Kachunga 7; Wells 6. Subs: Cranie N/A, Holmes-Dennis N/A, Quaner 6.

Sheffield Wednesday: Westwood 8; Hunt 7, Lees 7, Loovens 7, Pudil 7; Wallace 6, Lee 6, Bannan 7, Reach 7; Forestieri 6, Fletcher 6. Subs: Winnall 6, Rhodes 6, Jones 6.

23’ - CROSSBAR! Lowe's cross is sent in from the left which Wells nods on into the path of Brown but he can't keep his effort down and sees the ball clip the top of the woodwork and over.

56’ - SAVE! That's better from Huddersfield! Well tries an ambitious lob from the edge of the box and almost catches out Westwood who gets a fingertip on the ball to keep it out.

57’ - JUST WIDE! Reach picks up possession from 25 yards and has a pop at goal, firing the ball inches wide of the Huddersfield goal. That's the closest the visitors have come.

70’ - CHANCE! A clever angled pass from Mooy picks out Smith inside the visitors box but he ends up firing high and wild in the crowd. A big chance for Huddersfield goes begging.

71’ - SAVE! Van La Parra's deflected cross falls into the path of Wells at the near post who sees his flash shot saved by the fingertips of Westwood.

Sheffield Wednesday haven’t lost any of their last eight matches against Huddersfield, winning five and drawing three.