Owls kick off pre-season with bad start
Wednesday kicked off their pre-season in a sluggish manner, going down 2-1 to local rivals Chesterfield Town. It was the first time Owls fans have been able to see their side with new man Paul Jewell in charge. By this showing Jewell has a lot of work to do, as the Owls were beaten in every department throughout the game. The team that Jewell sent to the field was a mixture of regular first team players, and new young players.
The away side made the worst start imaginable as the experienced Des Walker mistimed a header that left his young defensive partner Derek Geary in trouble. The 19 year old's backpass to Kevin Pressman was also a poor one and that allowed Reeves to steal the ball, before setting up David D'Auria for the easiest of finishes.
Just over ten minutes later Wednesday blew a golden chance to level the scores, when Scot Simon Donnelly was brought down in the box and a penalty was awarded. The Scot took it himself but was unable to impress his new boss, and his shot was weak and easily stopped by the Chesterfield keeper.
As the 30 minute mark came around Chesterfield struck again. This time it was Reeves who was on hand to reach a cross before Owls defender Andy Hinchcliffe, to deflect the ball past Pressman and make it 2-0. A poor first half display that no doubt would've left Paul Jewell fuming.
Half-time: Chesterfield 2-0 Owls
Into the second period and there wasn't too much improvement from a Wednesday point of view. The front pairing of Andy Booth and Gerald Sibon wasn't really working. Just after the second half restart it was Booth who wasted a good chance, but his shot wasn't powerful enough.
With around 35 minutes left Paul Jewell threw on youngster Peter Holmes, and his impact on the game was almost immediate. Ritchie Humphreys did well on the wing to get the ball across, and Holmes came running in to cooly place the ball home with a strong right foot shot. It would've been a great confidence booster for the young man, and no doubt we'll be seeing more of him as the season unfolds.
Just moments later Holmes almost registered a sensational equaliser with a well struck volley, but the home keeper was equal to it and managed to tip it around the post. The Owls could've find their second goal and Chesterfield held on to win the match. It's not all doom and gloom though for Wednesday, with this match really just a chance for the players to stretch their legs - and nothing too much should be looked into it.
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