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Dons go for a Burton as hot Owls steam on: MATCH REPORT AND SLIDESHOW



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MK Dons v Owls
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Published Date: 23 July 2008
MK Dons 1 v Owls 4:
THIS really was a stroll down Stadium Way for Brian Laws' Sheffield Wednesday at steamy Milton Keynes last night.
Despite falling behind to a third minute surprise goal from Florian Sturm, the Owls awoke from their slumbers and by half-time were leading 3-1.

And when second half substitute Jermaine Johnson hammered home a fourth with 40 minutes still to play after leaving the Dons defenders in a daze, creating the opening for himself following a dazzling run down the right, Wednesday's third pre-season friendly was set for a third successive victory in sauna conditions.

After two victories on Dutch soil, Law's men were a happy to kick off their domestic friendlies with an impressive performance at the home of last season's League Two champions.

Nine goals for and just the one against is the Owls record going into the remaining key friendlies, at Bury and Chesterfield and home to premiership Wigan on Saturday week.

"So far we've had a good start to a pre-season aimed at building confidence and improving the fitness of my players," said Laws afterwards.

Player of the moment is certainly Deon Burton whose brace against the Dons took his tally to four from the three friendlies played so far.

Burton though was indebted to team-mate and fit again Akpo Sodje who joined Wednesday from Port Vale last season and unselfishly laid on both goals for him in the 31st and 34th minutes.

These two front men caused havoc in the Dons defence and while stronger back four's will be confronted in the Championship, it's a fair assumption none will relish having to deal with this twin threat.

It was certainly a lively combination and Laws will have been impressed by their contribution and also that of Johnson and Ettiene Esajas, as Wednesday completed the rout.

Johnson had replaced Esajas at half-time but well before then, this lively wingman had brought the Owls level when he equalised in the 12th minute following a free kick awarded after O'Hanlon had fouled Burton 20 yards out.

The Dons defenders were no doubt delighted when Esajas didn't come out for the second half but Johnson was a like for like replacement and the problems just wouldn't go away.

Laws must also have been delighted with the performance of his only signing so far during the summer months, former Burnley midfielder, James O'Connor.

The Dubliner, signed on a Bosman free transfer, orchestrated many Wednesday attacks and with the new season approaching, will be a key figure in the championship stakes.

CLICK ON THE GREEN PLAY ICON TO SEE PICTURES FROM LAST NIGHT'S MATCH

Wednesday: Grant (O'Donnell, 75), Hinds, Spurr ( Lakaj 60), Wood, Beevers, Watson (Gilbert 60), McAllister, OConnor, Sodje (Tudgay h-t) Burton (Clarke 60), Esajas (Jermaine Johnson h-t).

What do you think? Post your comments below.

READ MORE

Laws pulls players into line: click here for story

Bryan Robson returns to Bramall Lane

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The full article contains 540 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 23 July 2008 10:40 AM
  • Source: Sheffield Star
  • Location: Sheffield
 
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1

owl down under,

23/07/2008 10:14:57
Maybe we dont need a takeover just yet
2

Somniumvisum,

23/07/2008 14:13:13
I reckon if we can keep out first team fit we have as good a chance as most in that league of at least getting in the playoffs. If Laws can keep the confidence high and the players fit and sharp we will go a long way.
I got my first season ticket for a few years too, so i'll get to see more now, i'm actually excited about this season, take over or not.
3

wesps,

23/07/2008 14:44:01
keep this confidence going, lets hit the season running this time. You mentioned the T word, wednesdayite website, meeting on 6th august, recomendation from wednesdayite board to members is YES to rule change and YES to sell. Cant wait for new season
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