Owls throw away two more points

Wednesday were frustratingly held to a 1-1 draw at the Bescot Stadium on Saturday, their third successive stalemate in the league and really it has to be said two more points down the drain. Glenn Whelan's 16th minute goal was his first for the Owls and an early lead for his side.

The former Manchester City man was in the right place and the right time to drive the ball into the roof of the net from close range. Steven MacLean caught the Walsall defence napping and look bound to score when he rounded the keeper, but his effort was deflecting into the path of Whelan who pounced on the chance to score.

Walsall never looked interested until they found themselves back level just six minutes before the break. A free-kick was headed down into the path of Michael Standing who scored from close range via David Lucas' legs. The Owls' shotstopper had little chance in preventing the goal, but would've been furious to see two of his defenders stood watching.

It could've been 2-1 to the home side minutes later when Jorge Leitao charged into the Wednesday penalty box with two Owls defenders chasing him down, but the Saddlers striker shot just inches wide of the on-rushing Lucas' far post.

The last chance of the half fell Wednesday's way, as the impressive Whelan fired a thunderous effort back off the crossbar.

Half-time: Walsall 1-1 Owls

That goal right on half-time gave Walsall renewed hope whilst the Owls lacked the spark to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Chris Turner brought on Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu in place of the hard working but ineffective Jon Shaw, and winger Chris Brunt for Adam Proudlock.

Both players were involved in a 72nd minute move which eventually saw Ndumbu-Nsungu's deflected header well palmed away by Walsall keeper Mark Paston.

Chances swung both ways at the end of the game with first Walsall. Their exciting young striker Matty Fryatt would've buried a chance from the edge of the six yard box if it weren't for the world class save by David Lucas.

Then right at the death forward Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu could've been the hero for Wednesday but his close range and unmarked header required no save, and the chances for an extra two points went begging.

Turner was without left-back Paul Heckingbottom and influential striker Lee Peacock, both were expected to play but hit by last minute injuries.

Chris Turner's post match comments:
"At Tranmere we conceded two early goals and we had to make sure we defended well this afternoon. We have to be a little less blase and make sure we come away with something. It wasn't a great game but we came through it despite having to make more changes to the side, and had the three best opportunities to win it in the second half. Guylain's header was a great chance, and we nearly got on the end of a great cross by Chris Brunt at the end."

"We've been asking Glenn to get forward from midfield. He showed today he will score goals for us. Apart from the goal he also had two other good opportunities on goal."

AnzOwls' verdict: Our third draw in a row now, if we're going to be serious about promotion these are the kind of games we have to win.