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Wednesday fighting to the end - MATCH REPORT AND SLIDESHOW
Sheff Wed 0 Swansea 0IF Wednesday failed to thrill their fans on Saturday it was not for the want of trying.
Far more went into this game than a goalless score would suggest.
There was work that went on at Middlewood last week on ways of combating Swansea's slick style and making the most of Owls strengths.
That was followed by 90 minutes of full effort from both sides.
Wednesday came desperately close to getting a three-point reward for their endeavour and are refusing to let the season peter away. It looks like they are going to keep battling to the end.
One point was the least they deserved, after subduing a promotion-chasing team and showing the greater creativity, albeit in a closely-fought tussle containing few opportunities.
Owls teammates warm to new boy Varney
If Swansea were unable to reproduce freely the slick football for which they are known, it was because the Owls would not permit it.
Wednesday got stuck in all over the park, but could have done without the early loss of an important member of their pre-arranged plan, Sean McAllister.
They had to readjust again when Francis Jeffers went off, and for the second week in a row they lost two players during the course of a game. Michael Gray and Tommy Spurr went off at Watford.
At least it gave Luke Varney an earlier-than-expected chance to shine.
Sent on up front, with Marcus Tudgay switched to the right of midfield to replace McAllister, the on-loan Derby striker showed pace and the ability to beat defenders.
He was lively and worked hard, and went to close to grabbing a headline-making goal.
He did everything right when he was put through by Jeffers just before half-time. His shot was hard, low and true but Dorus De Vries saved it with his foot.
The keeper also distinguished himself by keeping a Richard Hinds header out of the top corner in the 79th minute, and then being in the way when Tudgay tried to capitalise on the resulting scramble.
Tudgay, who in the early stages shot wide when Jeffers was better placed, could have got a glory goal in stoppage time but defender Federico Bessone was marking tightly enough to put him off and the header flew wide.
Those were the best moments for the Owls. Swansea's best was a free-kick by right winger Jordi Gomez which was well saved by Lee Grant. But manager Roberto Martinez also felt that his team should have had a penalty in the first half for a tackle by Jermaine Johnson on right-back Angel Rangel.
"I thought it was a clear penalty, from my angle. But I thought it was a fair result," said Martinez.
I must admit I half-expected a whistle from the ref as well. But it was surely significant that none of the players seemed to appeal.
The exit of Jeffers because of sickness, early in the second half, forced more disruption to the Owls: Luke Boden went on, to the left side of midfield, and Johnson, who did not have one of his best days, was thrust up front alongside Varney.
Wednesday did well to keep the momentum going.
They applied some pressure in the second half, and they maintained their tenacity right to the end.
They were also never carved apart, though inevitably there were some decent moves from the visitors.
Swansea were up against a rugged back four in which Hinds made yet another accomplished return.
Laws confirmed that Mark Beevers paid the price of the Watford game, though not just because of his own goal. "I thought Beevs looked shaky last week," he said.
"With Swansea playing one up front, I felt it was perfect for Hindsy. He'll come out and pass it as well; he's a bit more composed.
"The back four gave a solid performance, and it's another clean sheet."
Laws, who also praised new boy Varney, revealed that Jeffers missed some training on Friday because he was not well but was determined to play. "He wanted to start the game. He was sick on the pitch a couple of times," he said.
"Sean McAllister got a a kick on his Achilles and it numbed his foot. We're not expecting any long-term damage. I expect he'll be fine for the next game."
The Owls manager is grateful for the two-week break from league action - caused by international weekend - as it comes after a busy period and will mean players can shake off injuries without missing a game next weekend.
"The break couldn't have come at a better time. We have had so many games. Swansea have had more than us. It's a tough time, especially when the squad is as bare as ours," he said.
"The players have worked extremely hard. They deserve the break. They can recharge their batteries and then kick on."
Martinez feels that his team improved on the performances they gave in consecutive defeats against Crystal Palace and QPR and can now refresh themselves for the vital last six games.
He said: "We will have direct conflict against Cardiff and Sheffield United (play-off rivals) and it's important we have control of those games.
"The players will come back with huge confidence and ready for the final push."
BOSS'S VIEW
In the second half we stepped up the tempo and were so unlucky not to get a goal.
The goalkeeper has pulled off some great saves ; he's probably their man of the match.
At times we played some good stuff; at times a simple pass became a
difficult one.
The pitch was bobbly; it wasn't conducive to passing it around.
I was delighted with the effort and commitment. We were at them all the time and tried to attack as much as possible.
I think everybody would agree the players aren't just seeing the season out; they are working extremely hard.
We had to be regimental. At times we also had to use the head, not the heart. We marshalled it very well. That's as hard a game as Swansea have had all season.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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