Owls ease past Rovers for first home win

Wednesday scored their first victory at home with a comfortable 2-0 win over struggling Tranmere Rovers. Chris Turner made four changes to the team that beat Wycombe earlier in the week, but the decision paid off well for him. Kevin Pressman replaced the injured Ola Tidman in goal whilst Robbie Mustoe and Adam Proudlock came in for Alan Quinn and Shefki Kuqi respectively, both of whom are on international duty. Paul Smith played on the left-wing in place of Richard Evans.

The Owls have had a habit of starting games strongly but allowing sides back into the game. But this time Wednesday would need to show patience before the game was up. They had a number of chances to score, including one that fell to debutant Adam Proudlock.

Paul Smith's diving header also rebounded back off the bar. Paul McLaren was narrowly offside as the Tranmere central defence had gone walkabouts. The former Luton midfielder slotted home well from 8 yards out, only to see the linesman's flag up on the far side.

At the other end Kevin Pressman pulled off a fantastic save to deny the visitors the opening goal. His palmed effort came back off the crossbar and ensured the teams went in 0-0 at the break.

Half-time: Owls 0-0 Tranmere

It was on the half-hour mark when Wednesday took the lead. Terry Cooke's long cross-field ball was headed away by the Tranmere defence, only for Paul Smith to chest down and volley sweetly into the top right hand corner. It was the former Hartlepool man's second goal of the season and a brilliant way to repay Turner's faith in him. Four minutes later the Owls grabbed the all important second goal, which effectively killed off the game.

Paul Smith's cross into the box was headed backwards by a Rovers defender and allowed Terry Cooke to angle his header past a stranded goalkeeper from one or two yards out. Tranmere had a chance for a consolation goal late on but the shot that blazed over the bar from 6 yards seemed to sum up their day. A fine win for the Owls who jump into second place behind local rivals Barnsley.

Good points...
Chris Turner's decision to bring Paul Smith in for Richard Evans.
Owls veteran Kevin Pressman stakes his claim for the #1 jersey with a clean sheet.
Terry Cooke puts in another superb performance on the right-wing.
Adam Proudlock shows what he can do, despite not being fully fit.
The Owls defence looks a lot stronger.

Bad points...