AdminGoalkeeper Pierce Charles showcased a different dimension to his game as Sheffield Wednesday battled to a 1-1 draw with Leicester City at Hillsborough on Monday.
The home side raced into a dream start, taking the lead inside 75 seconds through Jerry Yates’ fourth goal of the season. Yet for much of the contest, Wednesday were pinned back, relying on Charles to keep the visitors at bay.
The Northern Ireland international produced a series of outstanding stops, most notably preventing a potential winner from substitute Jordan Ayew, whose header from Abdul Fatawu’s cross was expertly clawed away from the top corner. Ayew had earlier found the net with just six minutes remaining, cancelling out Yates’ early strike.
Often praised for his composure with the ball at his feet, Charles’ shot-stopping prompted comparisons to Keiren Westwood’s memorable display in a 0-0 draw with Norwich in October 2014.
Reflecting on his performance, Charles told Wednesday’s YouTube channel: “I am really pleased [with my contribution].
It was different to how I’d usually play; usually it’s mainly distribution and all that stuff. But to show people that I can make saves as well, in important moments as well, I’m proud of it.”
He matched his season-high of 11 saves, equalling his tally from the opening weekend defeat to Leicester at the King Power Stadium. “Probably the double save, or maybe the one at the end [Ayew’s header] in the top right, maybe,” he added.
Charles credited his teammates’ support, saying: “That, again, helps more than anyone thinks, when your teammates back you and the staff as well. That gives you maximum confidence.”
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