Late sinker leaves Sturrock gutted

Owls gaffer Paul Sturrock was left massively frustrated after his side conceded a late equaliser against table toppers Burnley, and in doing so are still looking for their first league win of the new season. With Yoann Folly (knee) and Lee Bullen (suspension) added to the worryingly long list of Owls casualties Sturrock shuffled his pack around and gave youngster Tommy Spurr a first team start in a back three alongside Graham Coughlan and Madjid Bougherra. Steven MacLean was once again a lone striker with Chris Brunt tucking in just behind him. Both of those players played infront of a five man midfield lead by the transfer listed Glenn Whelan.

Wednesday had the better of the chances in the first half and hit the woodwork twice. Burton O'Brien and Chris Brunt were both denied by the crossbar, whilst early in the second half the home side had a goal disallowed for the second time in three outings. Coughlan was judged to have infringed in the box as MacLean tucked a header away from close range.

It felt like it just might be another one of those days for Wednesday before they won a penalty in the 66th minute. Frank Simek's mazy run ended when ex-Blade Jon Harley brought him down in the box. MacLean confidently stroked the spot-kick to the right to score Wednesday's first of the season, and more importantly give them the lead.

But the frustration was there for all to see when Burnley equalised with just eight minutes left on the clock. Substitute Gareth O'Connor's weak left foot shot from inside the box crept under loan keeper Brad Jones for a soft equaliser for the Lancashire side.

There was yet more drama to come as the visitors were reduced to ten men for the final few minutes. Another former Sheffield United man, Andy Gray, was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence. The striker had already been booked earlier in the game and when he kicked the ball away in frustration referee Webster was left with little choice other than to whip out the second yellow, much to the delight of a slightly smaller than expected crowd of just over 22,000.

There were further injury worries for the Owls when goal scorer MacLean hobbled off late on with a jarred knee.

Sturrock verdict: "We've played three games with a depleted squad and we've been competent in all three. We just can't put the damn thing in the net at this moment in time." "We've hit the bar twice and had half-chances flashing across the goals. It just shows what a clinical striker can do for a football club. Hopefully our strike force will come back sooner rather than later." "The lap of the gods always seems to pick the most important one - Folly last week, Steven this week. I'd be very hopeful he'll be okay. These boys have got to keep their heads up. We're asking young boys to do mens' jobs and their coming in and giving their all."