Stalemate to end season
Report from Soccernet.com
Both Wednesday and Crewe fought out a draw in what proved to be a typical end-of-season game.
The Owls will be disappointed not to come away with three points after wasting a number of opportunities, Stuart Ripley and Derek Geary both hitting the woodwork.
But Wednesday had to call on goalkeeper Kevin Pressman late in the game to ensure they gained a point. Both men did well to deny Crewe striker Dean Ashton from snatching a late winner.
The Owls began the game brightly. Trond Soltvedt and Carlton Palmer both came close in the opening stages.
Crewe's best chance of the first half arrived on 29 minutes, defender Stephen Foster forcing Pressman into a fine save with a glancing header.
On the half-hour mark the Owls went close to taking the lead, only to be denied by the woodwork on two occasions.
Ripley turned Foster before firing his drive against the keeper's right-hand post.
Minutes later full-back Geary found space on the left wing before cutting onto his right foot and turning an effort against the Crewe bar.
Wednesday continued to press as former Crewe defender Ashley Westwood headed straight to keeper Jason Kearton.
Just before half-time Gerald Sibon, who was named player of the season before kick-off, forced Kearton into another fine save from his low drive.
Half-time: Owls 0-0 Crewe
Crewe eventually came into the game after the hour mark. Owls defender Ian Hendon gifted possession to Rob Hulse, who fed Ashton but the young striker's shot was straight at Pressman.
On 78 minutes Ashton again caused the home side problems.
The 17-year-old held off Leigh Bromby before forcing Pressman to push his 15-yard shot wide of the target.
The visitors again went close moments later but Pressman was equal to Rodney Jack's first-time effort from the edge of the area.
Crewe went close to snatching a late winner, however, Ashton's fierce left-foot drive flying inches wide of Pressman's right-hand post.
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