Nothing new at Norwich in Turner's first game

There were no changes in fortunes for the Owls at Carrow Road, in what was Chris Turner's first game in charge of Wednesday. The Owls found themselves two-nil down at the break, and down to ten men with Shefki Kuqi sent-off. Kuqi's stupid dismisal would've angered Turner, although he refused to comment after the game claiming he "didn't see it".

The Finland international was dismissed for deliberate hand-ball in the penalty box, an offence which saw himself sent from the field with a straight red card. The resulting penalty, in the 31st minute, was tucked away comfortably and the Owls were behind the eight ball already.

Wednesday played a confident first 45 minutes, but without reward. Norwich killed confidence in the Owls camp with a second on the stroke of half-time following some lacklustre defending at the back. Paul McVeigh tucked away City's third with eight minutes left to leave Turner's side well and truly beaten.

The former Owls goalkeeper, who left Third Division leaders Hartlepool United to join Wednesday last week, has only had two training sessions with the squad, but is under no illusions that the job ahead of him is huge.

Wednesday have now remarkably lost eight of their last nine games, a run of form which has seen them sink to second from bottom in the table. They're five points ahead of strugglers Brighton and Hove Albion, who look like they'll need more than a miracle to stay in this division come May.

A quick glance at the table shows the Owls are four points adrift of the safety zone. They need to start winning games, and fast. Turner admitted that coming to the likes of Carrow Road is always going to be a challenge, but they must beat teams closer to the lower end of the table if they're to get out of the relegation zone.

This report from the BBC Football website:

Norwich City got their promotion bid back on track with a comfortable victory over a Sheffield Wednesday side playing their first match under new manager Chris Turner. Two goals from Iwan Roberts and another from Paul McVeigh gave Norwich a much-needed win.

Before this game, Nigel Worthington's side had won just two points from their previous four games, a record that threatened to derail their promotion challenge. Wednesday went close to opening the scoring after six minutes when Gerald Sibon's fiercely-struck free-kick flashed fractionally over the bar.

Shefki Kuqi forced Norwich keeper Robert Green into a smart save with a 16th-minute header and then Ian Hendon saw his shot blocked by Gary Holt. Despite that postive start, Norwich took the lead in explosive circumstances after 29 minutes. Kuqi foiled a home raid with a deliberate handball in the box and after he was sent off, Roberts converted the resultant penalty.

Norwich doubled their lead after 43 minutes when Paul McVeigh volleyed home from six yards.

Half-time: Norwich 2-0 Owls

The Owls began the second half briskly as they sought to force their way back into contention. Mulryne was booked for a foul on Sibon and from the free-kick Sibon saw his powerful effort blocked. Sibon was causing the Norwich defence some anxious moments and forced Green into another fine save with a delightful curling shot after 51 minutes.

Sibon again went close after 68 minutes but his volley flashed just wide, and six minutes later he forced Green into another fine save. But Norwich made certain of the three points after 81 minutes when Roberts scored his second of the game, firing home from McVeigh's cross.