Double delight for Owls

Both Wednesday’s first and youth teams were victorious this weekend.

Prior to the first-teamers 1-0 win over fellow promotion hopefuls, Brighton, the Wednesday youth team started the season in the best possible manner.

McAuley’s boys faced a long trip down to Portsmouth for the opening fixture of this campaign, but emerged victorious with a 2-0 win. A 25 yard effort from local boy Jack Poulton and a tap in from jet-heeled Nathan Modest ensured the Owls claimed all the points on the south coast.

At Hillsborough, Wednesday’s senior side were also victorious with Giles Coke, scoring his second or third of the campaign. With his header against Dagenham and Redbridge in the season opener still being a topic of debate, the midfielder acquired from Motherwell in pre-season is proving to the fans that he has goal scoring credentials, even if he has to use defenders for the odd deflection!

The Owls were by no means impressive againt Gus Poyet’s seagulls, but promotion winning sides frequently play badly and pick up points.

Wednesday are yet to play to their potential yet, but have still accumulated seven points in three games.

Two flashpoints in the game could have jeopardised the result. Neil Mellor appeared to shove over Adam El-Abd after claims for a penalty were rejected. The striker was only booked.

In the second half, born Owl Chris Sedgewick could consider himself lucky not to be dismissed following what was deemed a dangerous tackle.

The Owls showed grit to hang onto the three points and there is a marked change in the resilience of the players under Irvine. It is also essential that the Owls made Hillsborough a fortress and the players brought in by Irvine have proven so far that they are able to handle the pressure that comes with playing for such a big club in a small league.

Graduate of the academy, Liam Palmer was handed a league debut as a late substitute and the attack minded midfielder looks to have a bright future ahead of him in the famous blue and white stripes.

Although the season is still young, Irvine will be content with the Owls sitting joint top with three other sides at the top of League one and will be no doubt pleased with maintaining their 100% home record in the league and cup at home.