Owls snatch a point from the jaws of defeat

Full-back Paul Heckingbottom scored a dramatic goal deep into injury time to salvage an invaluable point for the Owls in their League One match away to Bournemouth on the weekend. The Owls had trailed to an early 11th minute goal by Garreth O'Connor, who had thrashed the ball home from 12 yards out with a sweetly struck right foot volley.

Wednesday created very little in the remainder of the first half and were lucky to have not found themselves 2-0 down when James Hayter blew a great chance to score. Paul Sturrock's stern words must've been ringing in their ears as the Owls came out a more determinded side in the second period.

On-loan Kenwyne Jones was unlucky not to make it 8 goals in 7 games when he turned his defender and fired into the side netting, after some good build up play from the midfield. Moments later Jones again came close this time beating the outstretched hand of the Bournemouth keeper only to see his head sail wide of the post.

Steven MacLean was also denied by the Cherries' shotstopper when his close range effort was palmed away, after a good downward header by Jones had set up the former Rangers man.

Manager Paul Sturrock knew with just quarter of an hour that time was running out and decided to throw on new signing James Quinn and revert to a 4-3-3 formation. Bournemouth looked set to run the game down and claim all three points, but not before Sturrock threw on youngster Andrew Talbot in the final minute and play with four strikers to end the match.

The move paid off as the Owls won a corner three minutes into injury time. Sturrock waved goalkeeper David Lucas forward in an attempt to salvage something from what had been a disappointing performance from the visitors. Heckingbottom managed to get his head onto the ball amongst a cluster of players to loop a header over a Bournemouth defender guarded the post and the ball dropped into the net.

The Owls had salvaged a point which could prove to be decisive come the end of the season. Moments later Heckingbottom was booked for over-celebrating, a caution which will see him miss the home fixture to Port Vale this Friday.

Half-time: Bournemouth 1-0 Owls

Paul Sturrock's post match comments:
"If you're dealt some 'get out of jail free' cards at the start of the season, then we've definitely used one of them up today. You can't expect to play a good, top six side like Bournemouth for just 45 minutes and win games. They were up for it and we didn't show in the first half. How we got away with it I don't know."

"Over the years everybody has known Bournemouth to be a footballing team, but one that you might be able to bully at times. Well, you don't bully them now. They've put a steel to their performance and that's why they're sitting where they are in the table. They will be there or thereabouts for the rest of the season. Dean Court is a bit of a fortress for Bournemouth and I'm pleased to get something out of the game. I don't think we merited it but we'll take the draw and get up the road."

AnzOwls Verdict: Another example that this team is looking mentally stronger under Sturrock's command.