REPORT: Leeds 1-1 Owls
The Owls posted a creditable point at Yorkshire rivals Leeds on Saturday in the lunchtime kick-off at Elland Road.A thoroughly entertaining encounter saw Wednesday draw first blood with a Marco Matias first half stunner only to be pegged back by Chris Wood after the break.
And all things being equal, a draw was probably the right result as both sides were good for a share of the spoils.
Having made six changes from the low key 1-1 draw with Reading at Hillsborough in midweek, Carlos Carvalhal was clearly seeking a positive response.
And the Owls’ head coach certainly saw that in the early exchanges as his team looked sharp and lively and more than matched the threat from Leeds.
Matias and Sam Hutchinson both had long range efforts to test the water, although most of the first half possession unfolded in the midfield areas in typical derby fashion.
Mirco Antenucci sent a snapshot from distance narrowly wide for the Whites, whose new signing Wood was denied by a last-ditch challenge from Rhoys Wiggins.
Then the contest really opened up on 36 minutes as Wednesday went into the lead – and what a strike it was.
Little seemed on for Matias when he took a Liam Palmer feed into his stride 20 yards out on the angle but the Portuguese calmly flicked the ball over his marker and hit a stunning volley that flew in off the underside of the crossbar.
Leeds responded with Wood a whisker away from converting an Atenucci cross but the Owls held firm, heading into half time with their advantage intact.
The home side started the second half with greater intent with waves of pressure, to which Wednesday succumbed just past the hour.
Stuart Dallas jinked his way into the box and sent in a perfect low cross that left Wood with the simple task of converting from close range.
The goal gave the Owls a jolt and Liam Palmer was upfield to head into the arms of Marco Silvestri from a quick counter before play went straight to the other end where Wood went close with a firm header.
The contest remained in the balance but to the credit of Leeds and Wednesday, there was no contentment with a point.
Both pressed to the last in pursuit of a winner but neither could find that extra something in the final third and honours proved even.
Owls: Price, Palmer, Hutchinson, Semedo (Lopez 85), Matias (Helan 75), Nuhiu, Lees, Wiggins, Lee, Sasso, Sougou (Hunt 62)