Proudlock hat-trick puts Owls into next round

An Adam Proudlock hat-trick helped the Owls cruise past non-league Salisbury City in the 1st Round of the FA Cup. The 4-0 scoreline was neither an embarassment for the visitors, nor an overly convincing win for Wednesday, but more of a case of "job done".

Chris Turner wasn't taking the tie too lightly, fielding a strong line-up, as he saw this a good opportunity for a number of players to find form and improve morale. A decent cup run can only help financial matters, too.

Proudlock grabbed his first in the 32nd minute from the spot-kick as the Owls went in just one up at the break. A second for the former Wolves man straight after half-time effectively killed off the game. His hat-trick came with a spectacular shot that rebounded off the underside of the bar in the 64th minute, but not before Lloyd Owusu found time for a fourth with 20 minutes still left on the clock.

Whilst it was pleasing to see Proudlock get amongst the goals with his recent struggle infront of goal, the likes of Graeme Lee and Jon Beswetherick put in efforts worthy of a mention.

The Owls face a trip to Scunthorpe United in the 2nd Round in the first week of December. Scunthorpe are 8th in the Third Division presently, and overcame Shrewsbury Town 2-1 in their 1st Round fixture.

Half-time: Owls 1-0 Salisbury

Chris Turner's most match comments: "It's pleasing to see Adam get three goals. We all know our problem this season is failing to score when we should have done, but three goals in any competitive game is going to be good for your confidence. Lloyd claimed his goal as well and hopefully now they can go on a bit of a run for us."

"It will be a difficult game (v Scunthorpe), but going away from home, grinding out a result and hopefully getting the prize of a big third-round tie is what the FA Cup is all about."

AnzOwls' verdict: The Owls did the job they needed to do. Our strikers got amongst the goals, and we kept a clean sheet. All in all, there can be no complaints here.