Monday 07 Oct 2024

Composed Shea Charles scores dramatic winner for Sheffield Wednesday | NI Player Watch

Northern Ireland midfielder Shea Charles scored his first senior goal for Sheffield Wednesday as he slotted home an injury time winner in the EFL Championship clash at Coventry City at the weekend. 

The 20-year-old, who is on a season-long loan at Hillsborough from Southampton, scored in the third minute of injury time to seal a 2-1 victory for the Owls and admitted there was no better way to win the match.   

“I don't think there are many better ways to win a game than that,” he told the club website. “I just wish it was in front of the away fans because I know they went crazy.

“When Musa picked up the ball I thought ‘I will just run and create some space for him’. The gap has opened up for me and he's played a perfect ball to me.

“I've taken a touch - I've watched it back and I feel like I've taken my time with it. I composed myself and slotted it home.” 

Elsewhere former Larne striker Lee Bonis scored the perfect hat-trick as ADO Den Haag secured their first win in six matches with a 5-1 away success at TOP Oss. 

After opening his account for his new club last week the 25-year-old admitted he felt the pressure was off him going into Friday’s Eerste Divisie encounter. 

“Today I felt freer than before,” declared Bonis. “I feel less pressure and am more relaxed. After the lean first weeks I had some making up to do and I succeeded. I am happy about that.” 

Also on the scoresheet were midfielder Cameron McGeehan, who popped up with a consolation goal for Northampton Town who lost 4-1 at second-placed Wrexham in EFL League One, and Under-21 international Ciaran McGuckin who scored his first for Yeovil Town in their 1-0 home victory over Dagenham & Redbridge in the National League.

In Scotland winger Matty Kennedy found the net twice as Kilmarnock came back from 2-0 down against 10-man Dundee to score three times with 10 minutes to go to record their first Premiership win of the campaign. 

In the Premier League in England, it was quite a day for former international Jonny Evans who celebrated his 400^th appearance in English football by winning the man-of-the-match award as Manchester United drew 0-0 with Bayern Munich conquerors Aston Villa at Villa Park. 

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, he said: “I think this might be only the second man-of-the-match award I’ve ever won. Bruno (Fernandes) donated one to me last season so maybe it’s three!”  

In Brazil’s Serie A, Jamal Lewis made his first start for Sao Paulo as they lost for the 10th time this season at lowly Cuiaba (2-0).

In the Women’s Championship, Simone Magill came off the bench for the last 10 minutes to make her debut for Birmingham City who won 2-0 at home to Blackburn Rovers who had Rachel Dugdale in their starting line-up.

Northern Ireland internationals Danielle Maxwell and Marissa Callaghan were both on target as Cliftonville lifted the Sports Direct Women’s Premiership title after a thumping 6-0 win over their nearest challengers Glentoran on Sunday. 

Meanwhile, in the National League North, Nottingham Forest striker Casey Howe scored her first goal for the club, and also contributed two assists, as they recorded a resounding 8-0 win at home to FC Halifax and Brenna McPartlan took her tally for the season to four after scoring in Burnley’s 2-0 victory at home to Derby County. 

Finally, Ruairi McConville, who was named in Tommy Wright’s Under-21 squad last week, scored in Brighton and Hove Albion’s emphatic 10-0 victory in the U21 Premier League against Crystal Palace.