Derby delight for Tudgay & co

Marcus Tudgay celebrated his return to Derby with the opening goal in a 2-0 win for the Owls on the final day of the season. Already safe in the knowledge that Championship safety had been achieved Wednesday were able to enjoy the day with the following of 5000 strong travelling Owls supporters behind them.

There was a place in the side for youngsters Tommy Spurr and Sean McAllister, voted the club's Young Player of the Season a few weeks back, whilst Jon-Paul McGovern got a run on the right hand side of midfield. There was a notable absence in Paul Sturrock too, the Owls boss missing the final game of the season to pursue a scouting mission in Europe. His side-kick Kevin Summerfield took over the reigns for the afternoon.

Tudgay, who spent five years at Pride Park before signing for Wednesday back in January, turned the ball home after JP McGovern's low free-kick from the right hand side had failed to be cleared.

The Owls went in ahead at the break but that was thanks to some fine goalkeeping from Scott Carson. The England Under 21 keeper proving how important he has been to the club during his loan spell from Liverpool.

Half-time: Derby 0-0 Owls

The Rams continued to press for an equaliser in the second half with Tommy Smith coming close in the 75th minute. But the result was confirmed much to the dubilation of the Wednesdayites behind the goal when substitute Leon Best's deflected shot looped over County keeper Lee Camp and into the net. It was Best's second strike of the season and ironically was both the first and last goal scorer of the season for the Owls.

A sweet result for Wednesday who leap frogged their opponents Derby and QPR in the table to finish in 19th place and a comfortable 10 points ahead of the relegation zone. Just one defeat in their final nine games was the kind of form Wednesday will have wish they displayed more often throughout the season.

Paul Sturrock will waste no time now in signing players he see's capable of taking Wednesday to the next step for the 2006/07 season.

Kevin Summerfield's post match comments:
"(Manager) Paul Sturrock was at two games yesterday and he's at back-to-back games today, but hopefully he'll bring back something which leads to a signing. I'm delighted we've finished the season by winning at Derby. It takes everyone connected with the club - not least of whom are the fans - into the summer on a good note."

Terry Westley (Derby manager) post match comments:
"The scale of the task in front of us was there for all to see - there's a massive amount of work still to be done next season. This season hasn't been a success. But the club's future, which is crucial, has been secured by local people. What's needed now is leadership on the football side."