Leicester Stages Comeback at Sheffield Wednesday but Remains in Relegation Zone

A late goal from Jordan Ayew prevented Sheffield Wednesday from securing their first home victory of the Championship season, but it was insufficient to lift Leicester out of the relegation zone as they drew 1-1 with the league's bottom team. Sheffield Wednesday's goalkeeper, Pierce Charles, made a string of incredible saves in a match the Foxes needed to win to surpass fellow strugglers Oxford and Portsmouth. Jerry Yates' goal in the second minute nearly proved enough to secure the hosts their first three points since September, but Ayew's quality finish in the 84th minute meant the Owls only managed a single point. The match began perfectly for Wednesday, with the Leicester defense failing to deal with Svante Ingelsson's corner, allowing Yates to score. Abdul Fatawu was the first of many visiting players to have a great opportunity to equalize, but he scuffed his effort wide. Oliver Skipp thought he had done everything right when he fired a volley at goal, but Charles made a brilliant point-blank save. Stephy Mavididi curled in an attempt from distance, but Charles was there once more to tip it round the post in the last chance of the first half. After the break, Leicester resumed on the front foot, with Harry Winks' driven effort being collected comfortably by Charles. Wednesday had a golden chance to double their lead when substitute Olaf Kobacki drove at the Leicester defense and played in Liam Palmer, but the Owls captain placed his shot inches wide. Mukasa was the next to hit an effort at goal, but the Wednesday keeper was there yet again to palm to safety. Leicester will have been starting to lose hope when substitute Ayew hit the post, and Mavididi and captain Ricardo Pereira were denied by an unbelievable Charles double save in a matter of minutes. Charles' goal was finally breached six minutes from time when Ayew got through and blasted an unstoppable right-footed shot into the bottom-right corner from just outside the box. The Foxes kept pushing for a winner, and Ayew's header deep into added time was so close, but man of the match Charles stretched out an arm to frustrate the visitors further. The point sees Leicester move into 22nd place, one point behind fourth-bottom Portsmouth with just five Championship games remaining. Sheffield Wednesday's Henrik Pedersen stated, 'I saw another massive effort today. Of course, it is disappointing to concede the late goal, but the players gave everything they could to get the win.' Leicester's Gary Rowett said, 'It's obviously hugely frustrating and a big disappointment we haven't won the game after having so many chances.'