Christian Atsu cameos as Newcastle's EPL promotion tilt takes hit

Ghana winger Christian Atsu made a second-half cameo as Newcastle United suffered a 2-1 loss at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday in the Championship.

Atsu came-on for Matt Ritchie with his side already trailing 2-0 and struggled to get into the game.

Second half headers by Tom Lees and Steven Fletcher helped Wednesday to seal back-to-back Championship victories.

Jonjo Shelvey, Newcastle's standout performer, pulled a goal back in the 88th minute but Wednesday deservedly held on for three vital points.

Victory came hours after Fulham had reclaimed the final play-off spot after the Cottagers brushed aside Ipswich Town.

It was just Newcastle's second defeat on their last 12 trips to S6 as they missed the opportunity to go back to the top of the table. Wednesday rose to the occasion to condemn the Magpies to only their second defeat in 18 matches.