JP's back, but Owls can only draw

These two second-string outfits battled out their second 1-1 draw of the season in a Hillsborough reserve team encounter of decent quality. Former Tranmere striker Eugene Dadi gave Forest the lead early on but that goal was cancelled out by an own goal from Vincent Fernandez to leave the scoreline all-square.

Wednesday had named an experienced line-up with Jon-Paul McGovern and Steve Adams on their way back from injury and with Saturday's Steel City derby in mind, but they fell behind early on. The Owls had been given a warning sign after five minutes when former SWFC loanee David Johnson shot over from Eugen Bopp's right-wing cross. But four minutes later, Gary Holt sent a centre over from the same area and Dadi rose highest to head Forest into the lead.

Mark Smith's side then wrested control of the midfield battle and were unfortunate not to equalise when Gaby Agbonlahor's pace took him into a one-on-one with visiting keeper Dale Roberts, who blocked the loan man's strike. But two minutes later, Agbonlahor did well to cross from the right and, with Roberts and Fernandez going for the same ball, the defender deflected it past his keeper and into his own net.

McGovern looked lively throughout and smacked a volley onto the crossbar from Agbonlahor's cross on the half-hour. Then Agbonlahor was again denied when clean through on the keeper from Barry Corr's through-ball as an entertaining opening half came to an end.

The second period was more of a battling affair with Forest sub Spencer Weir-Daley going closest to netting a winner, hitting the crossbar from Martin Vickerton's pass. Both sides created half-chances as the match drew to a close but the draw was a fair result which stretched Wednesday's reserve team's unbeaten run to five matches.

Half-time: Owls 1-1 Forest