Norwich go five points clear at the top of the Championship with late equaliser against Sheffield Wednesday 

Substitute Mario Vrancic was Norwich's saviour on the night - Substitute Mario Vrancic was Norwich's saviour on the night
Substitute Mario Vrancic was Norwich's saviour on the night Credit: Getty Images
  • Norwich 2 Sheffield Wednesday 2

Substitute Mario Vrancic marked Daniel Farke's 100th game in charge of Norwich with a last-gasp equaliser when it seemed that Steven Fletcher's controversial Owls goal would prove the decider.

Seconds were remaining when Vrancic curled home a free-kick after Wednesday had overturned Marco Stiepermann's opener through a wonderful strike from Fernando Forestieri and a goal from Fletcher that went in off an arm. The point left five points ahead of Sheffield United and Leeds, their only challengers for automatic promotion, which can be sealed at Stoke on Monday if results go their way.

But this game was a reminder that nothing can be taken for granted in the Championship, not least when Fernando Forestieri found the top corner after Marco Stiepermann had put Norwich in front.

The visitors were forced into a change before kick-off when goalkeeper Kieran Westwood hurt a knee in the warm-up and replaced by Cameron Dawson. Dawson was relieved that Teemu Pukki, the Championship's top scorer, scooped the game's first chance over but the late replacement's nerves were evident when he handled outside his box and was booked.

Dawson redeemed himself by punching away Stiepermann's free-kick and Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul also looked fallible when Forestieri, who had spotted him out of position, tested him with a long-ranger. Both sides were keen to attack at the risk of leaving spaces for the opposition.

George Boyd slotted past Krul in the 15th minute only for a raised flag to rule it out and within seconds Dawson had to block Onel Hernandez's shot at the other end. Norwich were back in the 19th minute for the opening goal. Stiepermann exchanged passes with Hernandez before firing a low shot from 22 yards under Dawson for his ninth of the season. Home hopes that it would plain sailing from there on were jolted by Forestieri's goal of the season entry, a rising drive from 30 yards following some twisting and turning that flashed past Krul into the top corner.

The first half ended all square after Max Aarons burst into the box and Dawson got a leg in the way again. Ben Godfrey headed Norwich's first chance after the restart wide before Forestieri came close to firing Wednesday ahead. This time Krul was able to make a flying save but misfortune soon came the Dutchman's way when The Owls took a 53rd-minute lead.

Norwich manager Daniel Farke celebrates - Norwich manager Daniel Farke celebrates
Norwich manager Daniel Farke celebrates Credit: Getty Images

Fletcher slid in at the back post to meet Liam Palmer's cross and although Krul was able to block on the line the rebound hit the Wednesday striker and went in, with Krul's claims that an arm had been used earning him a yellow card from referee Geoff Eltringham.

Stiepermann lashed a low drive just wide and Kenny McLean was only just off target with a header as Norwich sought a leveller but Krul was needed at the other end to block Fletcher's drive.Norwich fans and players were outraged by subsequent decisions, including awarding a free-kick when Forestieri felled Aarons on the Owls box paintwork.

Finally Norwich were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box when Marco Matias felled Vrancic and the substitute curled home superbly to earn a point and spark raucous celebrations. 

Match details

Norwich City: Krul; Aarons, Zimmerman, Godfrey, Lewis (Srbeny 84); Trybull (Vrancic 80), Leitner; McLean, Stieperman, Hernandez (Klose 90); Pukki.
Subs (not used): Oxborough, Tettey, Hanley, Cantwell.

Sheffield Wednesday: Dawson; Iorfa, Lees, Hector, Palmer; Matias, Hutchinson (Pelupessy 33), Onomah (Bannan 67), Boyd; Forestieri (Joao 75), Fletcher.
Subs (not used): Westwood, Fox, Winnall, Nuhiu.

Referee: Geoff Eltringham 

License this content