Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday: Joe Rothwell leveller earns hosts draw
- Published
Joe Rothwell's goal was his second of the season for Blackburn
Joe Rothwell's fine late goal secured a point for Blackburn Rovers and denied Sheffield Wednesday what would have been another morale-boosting win.
Adam Reach's superb strike just before half time put the Owls on course for their first back-to-back Championship victories in a year.
But Rothwell levelled 14 minutes from time when his mazy run took him into the box and he finished coolly.
Adam Armstrong went close late on for Blackburn but visiting keeper Keiren Westwood touched it wide.
Wednesday had beaten Coventry last time out and were aiming for successive league victories for the first time since beating Nottingham Forest and Bristol City just before Christmas 2019.
They were well set when Reach latched on to a loose bit of defending and made Blackburn pay by curling in brilliantly from just outside the box.
Rovers were boosted midway through the second half when playmaker Bradley Dack - scorer of 42 goals in two and a half seasons - returned as a substitute following 12 months on the sidelines.
The influential midfielder had been out since he injured his cruciate ligament on 23 December last year.
Armstrong hit the post but they did not have to wait long for the equaliser as Rothwell netted following an incisive run.
Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray told BBC Radio Lancashire:
"I think it went as we expected it. Tony's teams are hard to play against, he has them committed, so to lose the goal that we did made life difficult.
"I've managed Adam Reach [at Middlesbrough], you could give him another 50 goes at that and I don't think he's putting it in the top corner. I like Adam, but for me we handed it on a plate. It was miscommunication between two defenders who should have been in control.
"I'm left frustrated really because it was a game we should be winning really, but we didn't."
Sheffield Wednesday manager Tony Pulis told BBC Radio Sheffield:
"We worked really hard today against a good Blackburn team. They're always a threat, they play very open, very expansive football. Overall, you're pleased to take the point.
"But that's the fifth time this season we've been winning and not seen it out, which is a real concern. We had chances at the other end to make it 2-0 and that finishes the game.
"We'll analyse it [the goal conceded] but that's twice now that people have backed off, against Norwich they backed off as well. Around the edge of the box, people have got to get out to the ball and be really brave in their decision-making to get to the ball."