Owls hold on for opening day win

The Owls celebrated their first opening day win since 1996, with a hard fought 3-2 win at Swindon Town on a scorching hot day at the County Ground yesterday. Wednesday got off to a flying start when Lloyd Owusu opening his account for the season in the 5th minute, when he turned in Terry Cooke's low right wing cross.

Fifteen minutes later it was 2-0. Cooke again the mastermind behind the move - this time Owusu cleverly volleying his cross into the far corner of the net. The dream start continued just four minutes later when Shefki Kuqi slid at the back post, roofing the ball into the back of the net, after Alan Quinn had sent the ball over from the left wing.

It was a dream start for the Owls. 3-0 up after just 24 minutes of life in Division Two. But more was to follow. Turner later admitted he didn't feel the scoreline at this point reflected how the game was going, but more so that Wednesday's finishing infront of goal was clinical.

Swindon found themselves back in the game shortly after the half-hour mark. Stefani Miglioranzi, a former trialist at Hillsborough, came back to haunt the Owls when he headed the ball past debutant Ola Tidman, after Robinson had beaten Barry-Murphy on the left and whipped over a cross.

Half-time: Swindon 1-3 Owls

The Robins scored again 12 minutes into the second half to ensure a grand finale would be set up. Graeme Lee was judged to have fouled Swindon striker Tommy Mooney on the edge of the box, and Sammy Igoe was quick to dispatch the ball into the back of the net from the set piece. Tidman was still trying to set up his defensive wall. The Robins piled on the pressure in the final half hour, as Chris Turner resorted back to a 3-5-2 formation to combat Swindon's midfield.

Youngster Richard Wood replaced winger Richard Evans with some 25 minutes left on the clock, whilst Grant Holt and Steven Haslam were also used as substitutes as players began to tire. Turner's men proved resilient and were able to hold on for the three points. A good start to Wednesday's campaign, even if they did make life hard for themselves by letting Swindon back into the game.

Good points...
Strikers Lloyd Owusu and Shefki Kuqi prove to be clinical infront of goal.
Terry Cooke has a blinder on the right-wing, setting up two of Wednesday's goals.
The Owls defence holds strong despite mounting pressure late in the game.
Wednesday's away support is yet again top notch.

Bad points...
Wednesday show a few defensive frailties in allowing Swindon back into the game.
Ola Tidman is caught unaware for Swindon's second goal.