Owls break Blackpool hoodoo

The Owls wiped out the memories of four defeats against Blackpool last season, as well as a nightmare 3-0 home defeat to Colchester last week, to beat the Seasiders at Bloomfield Road 2-1.

Lee Bullen gave the Owls the lead right on half-time with a well controlled volley from just inside the box with an unguarded net, after good work from Steven MacLean. Bullen turned from hero to villain in the second half though when he conceded the free-kick which ended up in the back of the net in the 74th minute.

After the Owls had controlled the second half well, it seemed that things might turn sour for Chris Turner's side. But youngster Lewis McMahon, 19, earnt Wednesday their first points of the season with a stunning 35 yard drive that sneaked in past Sasa Illic's right hand post. It was no more than what the Owls deserved, and a massive boost for the Doncaster born lad.

The Owls held on to win but had goalkeeper David Lucas to thank. The former Preston North End man pulled off two or three fantastic saves, one in the dying minutes, to keep Blackpool at bay. Colin Hendry's side beat Wednesday four times last season, a feat achieved against the Owls by only one other club in Manchester United, but this time it was not to be.
Half-time: Blackpool 0-1 Owls

Chris Turner's post match comments:

"After being beaten by Blackpool four times last season we owed this one to our fans. We took our chances well and looked like scoring every time we got into their box. Chris Marsden showed a lot of experience in midfield which is something that we missed last season. He is a good leader and a great competitor. But we still had to thank keeper David Lucas for three top-draw saves."

Lewis McMahon's post match comments:

"It was fantastic for me - unbelievable really. I got the ball, had a pot and it went in. I could see Peaks (Lee Peacock) in the distance but I thought 'sod it, I'll have a go.' Luckily it went right in the bottom corner."

"I wouldn't have minded who scored, as long as we got that winning goal. I'm just happy for the fans really, they deserve it, and the manager, chairman and all the players who worked out there. We dominated most periods of the game and should have scored more. They shouldn't have got back in the game. We knuckled down, gritted our teeth and got a win out of it."

AnzOwl's verdict: Nothing to get too excited about yet. But 3 points on the board and some promising signs are there.