Owls fail at home again

Wednesday failed to win at home in league or cup competition for the fifth time trying this season as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Stoke.

The Potters took a 34th minute lead when Martin Paterson found himself clear of the defence to slide the ball under Brad Jones in the Owls goal. The lead was short lived though when referee Whiley awarded Paul Sturrock's side a spot kick just six minutes later after Andy Griffin was judged to have handled in the box. Winger Chris Brunt stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way, and in doing so chalk up his first goal of the season, and pull the scores level going into the break.

The Owls huffed and puffed in the second half but failed to find a way past a stubborn Stoke resistance. The best of the chances fell to Marcus Tudgay late on but the former Derby man drove wide of the goal. The pressure continues to grow on gaffer Sturrock who has just one win in eight league & cup matches this season to his name.

Sturrock verdict: "I'm proud of every player because each one gave everything to the cause. It was a very tight game and I can't fault my players because they worked very hard. If all the injured players come back, I think things will turn." "It's vitally important we get our offensive players back."