Brentford 1 Sheffield Wednesday 2
Miguel Llera boosted Sheffield Wednesday’s promotion hopes and ended Brentford’s on his return to Griffin Park.
Keith Treacy gave the Owls a first-half lead when he curled in a free-kick that beat Simon Moore inside his near post.
Clayton Donaldson equalised with a penalty but Wednesday immediately hit back when Llera, who was on loan with the Bees earlier in the season, headed home Treacy’s corner.
Brentford had not lost at home since they were beaten by Wednesday’s city rivals Sheffield United last month.
And they were unlucky not to come away with at least a point after controlling much of their final home game of the season.
Keeper Richard Lee was absent once again with the shoulder injury that kept him out of action in last week’s defeat at Stevenage.
So Moore made his second consecutive appearance – but may have to shoulder the blame for Wedneday’s opener.
Treacy lifted the free-kick over the wall but caught Moore unawares and the reserve keeper pushed the ball inside his own near post.
His opposite number, the vastly experienced Stephen Bywater, pulled off a fantastic save to prevent Donaldson levelling immediately after interval.
Brentford could well have had a penalty for a foul on Pim Balkestein before Donaldson was clattered over by Wednesday defender Chris O’Grady.
Donaldson made amends for his penalty miss at Stevenage by calmly slotting home from the spot.
Mark Beevers, already on a booking, should have been sent off following another foul but was spared by referee Chris Sarginson.
And then Llera rubbed salt in Brentford’s wounds by netting the winner.
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This post was last modified on 30/04/2012