Patrick Agyemang netted two goals as Derby County secured a convincing 3-0 triumph against Sheffield Wednesday, who are currently struggling in the Sky Bet Championship.
United States forward Agyemang found the net in both halves, with Liam Thompson contributing a goal early in the second half, helping Derby to snap a three-match winless streak and ascend to 12th place, just four points shy of the playoff zone.
The distressed Owls continue their hunt for a first home league win of the season, extending their winless streak to 14 matches.
After being penalized with a 12-point deduction in October for entering administration—and an additional six-point deduction earlier this month due to other financial violations—Wednesday is a club in distress.
Their on-field deficiencies were glaringly evident as fans await news of which of the 12 interested parties in a club acquisition has been granted exclusivity by the administrators.
The first half produced little quality as both teams consistently surrendered possession, testing the patience of both home and away supporters.
Rams midfielder Bobby Clark set up Agyemang on the left side of the penalty area after capitalizing on yet another errant Owls pass from the back, and Agyemang skillfully evaded Dominic Iorfa before scoring with a low shot into the far corner.
Derby asserted their dominance before halftime as Ben Brereton Diaz’s shot from the edge of the box was expertly denied by Owls goalkeeper Pierce Charles, and Clark squandered a chance when he shot over.
A confrontation between Agyemang and Iorfa early in the second half ignited a brief scuffle, leading to bookings for both players, before Derby increased their advantage.
Craig Forsyth’s free kick found Thompson just inside the box, whose low shot hit the inside of Charles’ left post in the 57th minute.
Derby sealed the match five minutes later when Agyemang drove home his second from eight yards following a square pass from Rhian Brewster, causing what little confidence remained for Wednesday to evaporate.
Agyemang was close to completing his hat trick but was thwarted by Charles’ superb low save, and Derby substitute Kayden Jackson was also denied by the Owls goalie as the visitors sought to extend their lead.
