FA Premier League - Wednesday 21st April 1999, from Hillsborough

V

Result
Sheffield Wednesday	1	1	Newcastle United
Scott 52		Shearer 45 (pen)
Att: 21,545

Teams
Srnicek	Harper
Atherton	Barton
Walker	Hughes
Thome	Hamman
Hinchcliffe	Griffin
Alexandersson	Dabizas
Jonk	Lee
Sonner	Speed
Rudi	Maric
Carbone	Shearer
Booth	Ketsbaia

Subs

Subs

Scott - Jonk (46 mins)	Solano - Shearer (75 mins)
	Brady - Lee (88 mins)

Un-used Subs

Un-used Subs

Pressman	Given
Cobian	Beharall
Stefanovic	Andersson
Cresswell

Match Report

Alcock anger as Owls are held to draw Report from CarlingNet Referee Paul Alcock left Hillsborough for the second time in seven months under another cloud of controversy. Alcock will seemingly never be forgotten for the part he played in perhaps the most infamous incident of the season which resulted in former Sheffield Wednesday star Paolo Di Canio receiving an 11-game ban. Di Canio's shove on Alcock towards the end of the first-half of a 1-0 win over Arsenal at the end of September led to the Redhill official allegedly sustaining back injuries and contemplating his future in the game. It ultimately also saw Di Canio depart to West Ham in a £1.7million deal as he was unable to cope with the intrusive aftermath of the whole sorry affair. Alcock, however, did return and eventually made peace with the 30-year-old striker as they attempted to put the past behind them. Wednesday supporters had also apparently forgiven Alcock, who was given a low-key reception on his first return to Hillsborough for tonight's Premiership clash with Newcastle United. But the atmosphere and the mood changed dramatically, and in an ironic twist it was again just before the break that Alcock found himself in the middle of another highly controversial incident - albeit not quite on the same scale this time. Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek, a former Newcastle hero during his seven years on Tyneside, clearly appeared to win the ball in a penalty-box challenge with Rob Lee. But to the amazement of everyone inside the ground - probably even the Magpies supporters as well - Alcock mystifyingly pointed to the spot. Wednesday's current Italian star Benito Carbone tried to argue the case for Srnicek but succeeded only in picking up a booking for dissent. It emphasised the point the impish striker had moaned about yesterday - that unlike their Italian counterparts British referees refuse to try and discuss their decisions on the field of play. When the initial dust had settled Alan Shearer stepped up to send Srnicek the wrong way for his 19th goal of the season and 151st of his Premiership career. The whole incident only served to reopen old wounds with Owls fans, though, and they made their feelings blatantly known at the half-time whistle with a vociferous chorus of boos and jeers in Alcock's direction. Srnicek tried to ask for an explanation from Alcock as the teams left the field. But a steward intervened, and the referee was given a two-man police escort off the pitch. Half-time: Owls 0-1 Newcastle With Wednesday still battling to avoid the drop, it was the last thing they needed - but it seemed to strengthen their resolve after the break. Danny Wilson's side had been accused of not trying in their 3-0 defeat against Manchester United on Saturday, but their fighting spirit soon resurfaced. It resulted in their equaliser and a moment to savour for Philip Scott, a £75,000 buy from St Johnstone just before deadline day. The former Scotland Under-21 international had come on at the break for fellow midfielder and Holland star Wim Jonk - his fourth successive sub appearance since his move. After receiving a threaded through ball from Danny Sonner, Scott then beat Steve Harper with an assured 15-yard curled finish for his first Wednesday goal. Wednesday, who had twice gone close in the first half through Carbone and Andy Booth, looked the more likely to net the winner against the FA Cup finalists. But ultimately they were denied the three points they need to guarantee their survival by referee Alcock, leaving the Owls still looking over their shoulder at the relegation zone.