Owls bury Shakers out of cup

Wednesday's name went into the hat for the Worthington League Cup 2nd round draw, after they comfortably beat Second Division Bury 3-1. It wasn't all plain sailing for the Owls though, as the home side dominated proceedings throughout the first half. Some stern words must have been said at half-time, as Wednesday came out a mentally tougher team.

Pablo Bonvin finally made his much anticipated Owls debut last night, although he was only thrown on with 12 minutes remaining. We're sure to be seeing more of him in the near future. Pablo was also booked in those final 12 minutes, after foolishly kicking the ball away. But his flair and skill should be a delight to watch for Owls fans.

The Owls' thousand strong following support did everyone proud, once again. It seems Wednesday fans are making quite an impression up and down the country these days, with such vocal backing of their team. As predicted, Peter Shreeves opted for an identical line-up to the one he sent to the field in Saturday's 2-0 away win at Crewe. David Preece's side looked more hungry for goals early on, and as early as the 8th minute already came close to opening the scoring.

Gareth Seddon found his way through the Owls defence, but his left foot shot was wide. A minute later there was more action. Kevin Pressman was forced to rush off his line to clear the ball, and in doing so lost his footing and nearly found himself conceding a free-kick, and possibly an early bath. The Wednesday shotstopper managed to get up in time to save Chris Billy's resulting shot

. In the 22nd minute Bury boss David Preece shot out from the dugout in outrage that his team weren't awarded a penalty, after it appeared Ian Hendon had handled the ball in his own penalty box. An early few scares for the Owls, they were soon to silence Gigg Lane even more so. With some 13 minutes left in the first half, Owls skipper Trond-Egil Soltvedt won the ball back for the visitors in the middle of the park, before passing to Gerald Sibon. The lanky Dutchman then thread a 30 yard ball through to Nigerian Efan Ekoku, who was left with the simple task of rounding Paddy Kenny in the Bury goal, and walking the ball into the net for his first of the season. They don't come easier than that, and the former Wimbledon man would've been all smiles with such a gift coming his way.

Half-time: Bury 0-1 Owls

Straight after the break Ekoku nearly scored another, in similar fashion. This time Kenny was able to stop his shot after the big Manchester born forward was sent one-on-one with the Shakers keeper.

In the 56th minute Danny Maddix grabbed his first goal for the Owls. A Gerald Sibon corner wasn't cleared by Bury, and Maddix managed to scramble the ball home for his first and Wednesday's second. Wednesday's summer signings certainly seem to be finding the net already this season, with former Luton man Paul McLaren also opening his account on the weekend.

Wednesday's players certainly seem lifted after that half-time talking to, and the Owls were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty a minute after making it 2-0. Irishman Alan Quinn was bundled over in the box, but the referee waved play on.

Leigh Bromby's long throw-ins seem to be causing opposition defences real troubles this season. He was involved in Wednesday's third in the 70th minute. Danny Maddix was unable to direct his header goalwards after Bromby's big throw, but Paul McLaren was there to thrash the ball home on the half volley. A superb strike by the hard working midfield man, who is making big impressions in these early days of his Wednesday career. Wednesday's third sealed the win and if it weren't for the vocal Owls support Gigg Lane would have been silent.

Wednesday's travelling support honoured their young 20 year old defender Tom Staniforth, who died two days ago, by chanting his name. Wednesday's players wore black armbands in memory of the young man, and a minute's silence will be held on Saturday before the West Brom game. Bury did manage some success with a late consolation goal. Aaron Lescott was somewhat harshly judged to have pushed over Bury forwrd Seddon, and skipper Paul Reid made no mistake from the spot to give home fans something to cheer about.

It's been a tough week for Wednesday, with the sudden death of Staniforth, and perhaps early on in last night's match players' minds weren't on the game. But two wins in four days will have improved the mood around the club. Next up is West Brom, whilst news of the Second Round draw will be announced later on this week.