Owls draw first up against Danes

This report from the official website...

A change is as good as a rest so they say and after the summer break, Terry Yorath's Owls ended this match on the credit side of a 1-1 draw that was in itself a story of changes, despite an 88th minute Copenhagen equaliser that cancelled out Phil O'Donnell's 19th minute opener. The first of the changes was the new 3-5-2 formation the Wednesday manager plans to experiment with in the forthcoming pre-season programme.

It worked well with the side demonstrating a good shape, particularly in the first half and some good individual performances all over the field. Then there was the summer change in personnel with new goalkeeper Paul Evans earning a first senior appearance in Wednesday colours, in playing for the first 70 minutes.

Meanwhile, Leon Knight looked speedy, sharp and dangerous when introduced in the second half. The latter period itself was punctuated by a series of changes from the Wednesday bench as Yorath sought to give a run out to as many of his squad as possible, making eight substitutions in the process.

But all Wednesdayites will hope that this result will herald a more permanent change in fortunes for injury-hit midfielder Phil O'Donnell. Restored to the starting line up after a five month lay-off, the ex-Celtic man was impressive in a left wing-back role that saw him make some crucial interventions, neat passes and weigh in with a 19th minute lobbed effort that gave the Owls the advantage.

One thing that never changes is Shefki Kuqi's ability to terrorise defenders into making errors. He had already forced Bo Svensson into an 13th minute mistake which gave the Finn a clear sight of goal from the corner of the six yard box but he sidefooted wide of the far post.

Svensson was in trouble again six minutes later from Kuqi's aerial challenge and O'Donnell was on hand on the edge of the area to lob a finely measured strike into the far corner of the goal. Wednesday had opportunities to extend their lead, while Copenhagen showed glimpses of the sort of flowing football you'd expect from the even-money favourites for the Danish title. Lonstrup had already fired wide from long range before Evans demonstrated why he'd been added to the squad by splendidly saving Fredgaard's free kick before Zuma and Bisgaard both failed to hit the target from useful positions inside the area.

Half-time: København 0-1 Owls

In the second half, Roll and Bisgaard again blazed way over when presented with decent opportunities and the home fans' frustrations began to show. As Wednesday switched players to increase the squad's overall sharpness, it was a substitution of their own that was to prove the match saver for the Danes. Pascal Simpson was sent on with 12 minutes to go to run at a tiring Owls back line - and 10 minutes later it was mission accomplished as he turned Leigh Bromby to slot a simple right footed effort past Kevin Pressman.

The last gasp strike gave Copenhagen the draw they deserved but didn't dampen SWFC's encouragement at a promising opening 90 minutes.