Late Maddix heroics may be in vain

Danny Maddix powered home an injury time header to salvage the Owls a point from their home fixture against Watford. Wednesday were only moments away from defeat, before their temporary skipper found himself on the end of a Richard Evan's corner to power the ball into the back of the net.

The game ended 2-2 but the Owls know their desperately needed a win, and only taking a point here is still a step backwards for them. Chris Turner couldn't hide his disappointment after the game that his side had yet again failed to perform infront of goal.

This was one Wednesday simply had to win to try and close the gap on Brighton, Stoke and Grimsby. They failed to do that and now you feel that only a minor miracle could save the Owls from slipping down to Division Two next season.

Turner was without Alan Quinn and Shefki Kuqi, who were both on international duty, whilst the usual suspects on the injury list once again had to watch from the sidelines. Turner gave debuts to his two new young signings in Richard Evans and Grant Holt, who both put pen to paper on transfer deadline day.

Evans played in his natural position on the left side of midfield where he had a steady game and looked comfortable with the ball. Former non-league striker Grant Holt came on as a second half substitute, but his finishing infront of goal let him down on the day. Turner has described these players as a "new breed of player for the club", and its early days for both of these players.

Turner also opted to replace Simon Donnelly in midfield with Steven Haslam, with the Scot coming on as a late substitute. Tony Crane and Lee Bradbury continued as striking partners. Crane was brought off shortly into the second half but his replacement, Lloyd Owusu, was infact replaced himself just 14 minutes later as he hobbled off with another injury.

It's do or die next weekend for the Owls when Wimbledon visit Hillsborough. Wednesday have just three home games left this season to make a last ditch effort to save their Division One status.

This report from the BBC Football website:

Defender Danny Maddix threw Sheffield Wednesday the thinnest of lifelines with a last-gasp equaliser against Watford at Hillsborough. Maddix powered home an injury-time header to deny FA Cup semi-finallists Watford their first win in nine games.

Wednesday showed spirit as they twice battled back from a goal down, but a point may not be enough for their cause. Wednesday began brightly and Michael Reddy forced the first save after 10 minutes when goalkeeper Alec Chamberlain had to tip his 25-yard strike round the post.

Smith had a great opportunity on 14 minutes when he met Stephen Glass's cross, only to plant his header wide. Paul Robinson's foul on Reddy earned the Watford defender a yellow card and gave Wednesday the opportunity to load in a free-kick but from six yards out Tony Crane headed straight in Chamberlain's arms.

Robinson then blocked Lee Bradbury's goalbound shot, before Chamberlain again saved from Crane as Wednesday pushed for the opening goal. Michael Chopra, Watford's new loan signing from Newcastle, then fired just wide from 20 yards as the Hornets began to get a grip and on 33 minutes Smith gave the visitors a deserved if fortunate lead. Poor defending gave Smith space inside the Owls's box but his scuffed shot completely fooled Wednesday keeper Kevin Pressman.

Wednesday rallied and Chamberlain made another great save from Ashley Westwood just before the break.

Half-time: Owls 0-1 Watford

The Owls made a strong and determined start to the second half and drew level on 66 minutes through a controversial penalty. Watford keeper Chamberlain clattered Owls substitute Lloyd Owusu on the edge of the box as the pair challenged for a high ball.

Norville was denied a late winner for Watford Referee Barry adjudged the offence inside the area and after booking Chamberlain, Lee Bradbury stroked him the equaliser from the penatly spot. Chamberlain almost made a present of a goal when he dropped Paul McClaren's cross at the feet of Reddy, whose shot was blocked on the line by Gavin Mahon. Wednesday were struck an even crueller blow eight minutes from time when they fell behind.

Substitute Jason Norville had just come on for the injured Chopra when a poor defensive header presented him with the ball on the edge of the box and he drilled his shot past Pressman. Wednesday had the final word, though, as Maddix leaped highest at a corner to power home a header in injury-time.