Hamshaw howler throws away cup tie for Wednesday

Wednesday crashed out of the Worthington League Cup at the second hurdle today when a stupid error from youngster Matthew Hamshaw cost the Owls what would've been a big win for Wednesday. With his side leading one nil, and the match only a matter of minutes away from being won, Hamshaw idioticly kicked the ball away after a Leicester free-kick had been awarded. In accordance with the new rules the referee marched the ball forward 10 yards for dissent.

Those 10 yards certainly proved to be costly. Turkish World Cup star Muzzy Izzet struck home the free-kick to give Leicester a last gasp lifeline. The game went into extra-time and Trevor Benjamin scored in the 98th minute. The Foxes held on for the remainder of extra-time, and the victory was theirs.

Gerald Sibon's 32nd minute strike had sent the Owls on their way, and the home side had dominated the opening period. It was an impressive opening 45 minutes from Wednesday, but the end result will have left many fans feeling despondent.

To make matters worse the Owls will also be without key defender David Burrows for up to eight weeks, after the stand-in skipper suffered a fractured collar bone and was forced to leave the field in the 69th minute. Club captain Trond-Egil Soltvedt has been forced to watch from the bench in recent weeks, but his name wasn't even on the list of substitutes last night.

Burrows is likely to be replaced by either Derek Geary or Jon Beswetherick at left-back, whilst Ian Hendon will probably slot in at right-back. But the question of who will lead the Owls out on Saturday when Burnley visit Hillsborough is yet to be answered.

This report from Soccernet.com:

Sheffield Wednesday's woes increased as Leicester came from behind to secure a 2-1 extra-time win in the Worthington Cup second round clash at Hillsborough. Terry Yorath's side have struggled in Division One this season but appeared set for a welcome win when Gerald Sibon put them ahead after 32 minutes.

But Muzzy Izzet equalised in stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes and Trevor Benjamin's second goal of the season after eight minutes of the first added period proved decisive. Leicester made five changes to the side that defeated Wolves on Saturday due to a mixture of injuries and suspension, with Brian Deane, Paul Dickov and Gerry Taggart among those not involved for the in-form Foxes.

Junior Lewis was included in midfield and he drilled a left-foot shot wide after 12 minutes before Alan Quinn had a shot saved by Ian Walker at the other end. Finland international Shefki Kuqi had a left-foot shot blocked by Matt Heath as the Owls took the game to the visitors and Leon Knight had an effort parried by Walker just before the half-hour. But the deadlock was broken shortly after when Sibon, restored to the side after a minor knee injury, tucked the ball into the far corner of the net following good work by Kuqi.

Sibon went close to doubling the advantage after 41 minutes but his stinging right-foot shot from 30 yards was tipped around the post by the agile Walker. The Dutch star crashed another effort over the crossbar before Alan Rogers was booked for dissent as Leicester continued to toil. Micky Adams made two changes at the break, replacing Nicky Summerbee and Lewis replaced with Stefan Oakes and Jon Ashton, but Sibon went close again as Walker made another impressive save.

Half-time: Owls 1-0 Leicester

Matt Elliott almost levelled matters following a corner after 52 minutes but his shot struck the woodwork, while Izzet lashed a shot over the top as the visitors began to show some attacking intent. Callum Davidson was booked for a foul on Knight before Turkish international Izzet went close again with a right-foot volley. Goalscorer Sibon was replaced just after the hour by Matthew Hamshaw, while Owls skipper David Burrows was stretchered from the field with what appeared to be a serious injury after 64 minutes.

Knight's right-foot shot drifted wide after 75 minutes as Sheffield Wednesday looked for a second to ease their nerves before Benjamin was denied by veteran goalkeeper Kevin Pressman at the other end. But Izzet levelled matters deep into stoppage time when his free-kick, which was moved ten yards nearer the goal after dissent from a home defender, went through a crowd of players and found its way into the bottom right-hand corner of the net.

After being behind for so long, Leicester found themselves ahead eight minutes into extra-time when Benjamin nodded the ball home at the near post following a left-wing cross by Rogers. Izzet went close to adding another after 106 minutes before Walker saved Kuqi's header and Quinn's left-foot shot at the other end.