Owls end 2004 on a high

Wednesday recorded their third league win in just nine days with a fantastic performance to beat Port Vale 2-0 away from home. It was Wednesday's 6th win from 8 games and in this kind of form is quickly making Paul Sturrock's side into real promotion contenders.

On-loan Kenwyne Jones opened the scoring after 27 minutes, his third in as many games for the Owls, and a goal from winger Jon-Paul McGovern just before the break was enough to seal the points for Wednesday.

This report from TeamTalk.com:

Impressive Sheffield Wednesday made it six wins in eight games with a 2-0 success at Port Vale, and on this form look set to become genuine promotion contenders. Paul Sturrock's side took the game by the scruff of the neck in the first half with outstanding finishes from Kenwyne Jones and Jon-Paul McGovern.

Jones broke the deadlock in the 27th minute, drilling a 16-yard shot past a motionless Jon Brain for his third goal in as many games since joining on loan from Southampton. McGovern bettered that a minute before the break when he controlled Steve MacLean's pass, left Ryan Brown for dead and rifled the ball into the roof of the net.

McGovern had another effort ruled out for an infringement just past the hour mark before Vale staged a late rally which almost saw them reduce the deficit. Billy Paynter's 89th-minute piledriver drew a brilliant save from David Lucas and substitute Michael Walsh headed inches wide from the resulting corner.

Half-time: Port Vale 0-2 Owls

Paul Sturrock's post match comments:
"That has to be our best away performance since I came here. We were disciplined, well organised and kept our shape all through the game. It has taken time to convince people that football doesn't always have to be pretty to be effective, but I feel that message is starting to hit home."

"Sometimes you have to play the percentages to be successful in this game and that is what we have been doing to good effect over the past few weeks."

Jon-Paul McGovern's post match comments:
"The boys are buzzing. It is important to win away games and we've done that consecutively here. It was crucial not to lose in terms of league positions so we're pleased."

"I'm happy to be on the scoresheet. My Papa passed away so I'd like to dedicate that goal to him. It was a great ball from Macca, he's played a few of those this season, and I managed to take a good touch, fired it with the left foot and luckily enough it went in."