Owls come out second best in Derby clash

Wednesday's reserve side saw their four match winning streak come to an end when city neighbours Sheffield United beat them 2-0 at Bracken Moor. Two goals, one either side of half-time, by Billy Sharp proved enough to be a winner for the Blades.

Half-time: Owls 0-1 Blades

Mark Smith's post match comments:
"It was a derby game but we didn't approach it like a derby, it was like a testimonial at times. We have got a mixed team. There's lads from the first team, some of whom are coming back from injury so they may not be firing on all cylinders. Some are out of the first team so that may affect them - coupled with some of the kids who, for whatever reason, froze on the day."

"I can understand a bit of it but it is still unacceptable. We didn't hold the ball up the front and didn't pass the ball with any thought, especially in the first half with the wind behind us. We thought we were playing on a lovely summer's day with no wind, constantly pumping things over the top which took one bounce and ran out of play. That is what annoys me."

"Any fan watching that would say 'what's the coach doing, what's the manager doing?' It is down to the players then, they know the conditions. If they've got half a brain, they don't need me to tell them you keep the ball to feet in the wind."