Football: Stuttering Wednesday rescued by Anderson

Sheffield Wednesday. . .1

Liverpool. . . . . . . .1

IF WEDNESDAY went into this match as the Premier League's form side then Liverpool, who have so often worn that mantle themselves, emerged from it with distinct signs that their fortunes are beginning to take a turn for the better.

They were presented with the lead early in the first half, clung on to it with greater resolution than they have customarily shown this season and were unlucky not to increase it before Viv Anderson snatched a late equaliser to extend Wednesday's unbeaten run to 16 League and cup matches.

It was ironic that a side whose decline has been widely attributed to defensive shortcomings should be presented with their goal by an appalling defensive error by their opponents. Wednesday's left-back Nigel Worthington, whose afternoon was to get even worse, was under no pressure when he woefully underhit a back pass to Chris Woods. Don Hutchison nipped in to round the England goalkeeper and score in an empty net.

With the luck running their way for once Liverpool, prompted by John Barnes and with Steve McManaman and Mark Walters justifying Graeme Souness' decision to drop Ian Rush, embarked on a passing game that matched and outshone Wednesday's own, only to be deprived of victory nine minutes from time.

Chris Waddle, a possible rival for Barnes's England shirt and Wednesday's main inspiration, forced David James to concede a corner. He took it himself and picked out Anderson, who hit the net with a powerful header from six yards, to the relief of the 33,964 Hillsborough crowd, which, like their team, had been showing growing anxiety over the clutch of records being threatened by their recent streak of success.

Anderson's goal rescued the unbeaten run, but sacrificed were the chance of equalling the club's post-war run of nine successive victories and stand-in striker Paul Warhurst's hopes of equalling Derek Dooley's record of scoring in nine consecutive matches.

In the end, the Owls were grateful to cling on to what they could. As a blizzard swept in from the Pennines they weathered a late Liverpool storm during which Hutchison had the ball in the net but was ruled off-side and Walters was denied in a hectic injury time scramble.

But Wednesday's problems did not end when the final whistle came. Captain and centre-back Nigel Pearson has been out for eight games and his replacement in both capacities, Peter Shirtliff, will join him after being carried off with a broken arm sustained when he fell after tackling Barnes.

And as Wednesday continue their attempts to reach Wembley in both Cup competitions Worthington will be absent for different reasons. He was sent off for a professional foul after bringing down Hutchison when the striker was clear on goal.

'Injuries are catching up with us now,' said manager Trevor Francis, 'and we now also lose Chris Bart-Williams for three weeks for the World Youth Cup.'

However, their opponents' troubles may be easing. Some of their patient approach work was worthy of the Liverpool of old, and Mark Wright and Steve Nicol looked confident at the heart of the defence, as did David James in goal, despite one excursion from his penalty area worthy of Bruce Grobbelaar to head clear from Mark Bright.

Souness said: 'We had more chances today than in our last four matches. This is a bad result for us.' A few more bad results like and things will start looking up at Anfield.

Sheffield Wednesday: C Woods; R Nilsson, N Worthington, C Palmer, J Harkes, P Shirtliff (V Anderson, 53 min), G Hyde, C Waddle, P Warhurst, M Bright, J Sheridan. Subs not used: C Bart-Williams, K Pressman (gk). Manager: T Francis.

Liverpool: D James; J Redknapp, R Jones, S Nicol, M Wright, S Bjornebye (M Marsh, h/t), S McManaman, D Hutchison, M Walters, J Barnes, P Stewart. Subs not used: R Rosenthal, M Hooper (gk). Manager: G Souness.

Referee: V Callow (Solihull).

Goals: Hutchinson (0-1, 19 min), Anderson (1-1, 81 min).