Jones on the mark again as Owls march on

Wednesday marched on in their promotion push as they over-came bodey side Swindon Town at Hillsborough on the weekend. Goals from both on-loan players Joey O'Brien (Bolton Wanderers) and the in-form Kenwyne Jones (Southampton) helped seal the points.

Swindon had previously twice beaten the Owls this season, both times at the County Ground. The Robins had miraculously beaten the Owls 3-2 in a league encounter earlier in the season, after Wednesday had lead 2-0. Then, weeks later, Swindon dumped Wednesday out of the FA Cup comprehensively 4-1.

But the Owls are a stronger team under Paul Sturrock these days and came through what Sturrock had described before the game as a real test of their character.

Joey O'Brien's left-footed volleyed goal, after a poor punched clearance by Swindon keeper Rhys Evans, put the Owls ahead five minutes before the break. Kenwyne Jones continued his amazing goal scoring run with his 7th goal in 6 games for Wednesday in the 68th minute, following a scrappy defensive effort by Swindon.

The Owls increased the gap between themselves and 7th place, the position just outside the play-off positions, to five points.

Half-time: Owls 1-0 Swindon


Paul Sturrock's post match comments:
"I'm very pleased. They've been difficult opposition to us but this shows we've developed as a team. We cut their chances down to a bare minimum. We've worked hard on defending as a team on the training ground. The last three or four games we've had a settled back four and they're learning every game."

"You have to give credit to Steven (MacLean) for the goal. He got his body into the right position and steered it into Kenwyne's path. I was very pleased with Steven's contribution today."

"They've (the fans) been starved for so long and it's a difficult Saturday - the week after Christmas and New Year, when nobody has got any money. We're very thankful to give them a win."

"I do think we looked a bit leggy and we didn't have the zip we have shown in the last two or three games. I'm glad that we've now got a month of Saturday-Saturday games. I think that will benefit the team."

"The most important thing is to make sure there is a gap between us and any team that is below us. If can get on the coat tails of those three, then great, but we have to make sure we're in the top six for the rest of the season first."

AnzOwls Verdict: The Owls look a stronger side under Sturrock these days. The worry is will the goals dry up when Jones returns to Southampton?