Sponsored by
Story of hope hit by sad ending - MATCH REPORT AND SLIDESHOW
IT shows how far Wednesday have come when they can pick up a well-earned point against one of the Championship's big guns and still feel unhappy.
Kevin Phillips' equaliser in the third minute of stoppage time jolted the team and sent many home fans heading for the exits. It felt like a defeat.
But I would invite sober reflection of the 90 minutes as a whole and suggest that here was further evidence that the Owls are a decent side who should be well worth watching for the rest of the season.
In the last few games, they have given Premier League side Fulham a cup fright, earned a good point at Ipswich, hammered Charlton, played well at Forest with 10 men and probably would have won with 11, and on Saturday came with seconds of taking a major scalp.
TODAY'S SWFC STORIES:
Wednesday vs Barnsley still on
Michael Gray extends stay at Wednesday
Buxton's bid in Owls' triple derby challenge
It would have been only the second time this season they have beaten one the current top-six sides (United lost at Hillsborough), and the level of the performance still suggests that they are making progress.
A mixed bag of results should not hide the fact that the Owls can play good football and cause anybody problems, and are showing form as they head into their tasty spell of three consecutive derbies, against Barnsley, the Blades and Doncaster.
Some will say that previous form counts for little in local spats such as these but it is better to be playing well in the build-up than playing poorly.
On paper, Birmingham's team and bench looked strong (not to mention expensive).
But the teams were evenly matched in a watchable first half, in terms of strikes at goal, saves, and general play, with both sides producing crisp passing moves, albeit without penetrating a great deal.
Wednesday built up a head of steam in the second half and deserved their lead. Near the end, they seemed to be holding out for a splendid victory until Blues played one too many dangerous balls into the box (from livewire right winger Scott Sinclair) and there was Phillips nodding home at the far post and repeating his act of last season, when he headed a winner for West Brom after five minutes of injury time.
Saturday's goal was his seventh in nine games against Wednesday, and he starred in Birmingham's 3-1 win against the Owls this season.
No wonder Wednesday boss Brian Laws said: "I hate him!"
There was mutual respect, however. Phillips said in a programme article: "We're expecting a very tough game against Sheffield Wednesday. They are big, big club who seem to be heading the right way up the table."
He also described Hillsborough as "a terrific venue", saying: "There are certain grounds where you really look forward to playing, and Hillsborough is definitely one of them."
The striker's opinions appeared not to altered when he spoke after the game.
"I said that this would be a tough game; not many teams are going to come away from here with a point," he said.
Blues boss Alex McLeish dished out a few compliments.
"They were dangerous, with Jermaine Johnson in good form. Marcus Tudgay a clever player, and big Leon up front ... they were a handful."
Indeed, Clarke softened the blow of Francis Jeffers' ban by putting in an industrious shift and lasting the course well considering that he had been out for five weeks with a hamstring injury.
Laws acknowledged: "Clarke and Tudgay were very good and caused them problems. They linked up well. I'm very pleased with the pair."
Wednesday were strong in midfield, with the unsung James O'Connor getting a foot in, picking up pieces and passing tidily. Darren Potter and Michael Gray kept up their form, and Johnson produced exciting runs, though again he could have done with a better end product at times.
Gray and Potter were on the set-pieces, and it was a cross by Potter following a short-corner routine that brought Lewis Buxton's goal.
Richard Wood challenged in the air and the ball came back to Tudgay.
The striker's shot was blocked, Buxton volleyed the loose ball and brought a brilliant save from Maik Taylor and, when the ball popped into the air, Buxton headed home from close range for only the second goal of his career.
After the game the scorer made light of that moment and was hard on himself over the equaliser - Phillips pulled away at the far post for a free header.
"I think I could have done better at the back stick," said Buxton. "But they were queuing up.
"Until the last 10 minutes, we played some really good football and had a couple of opportunities to finish them off.
"But the game goes on to the last kick and we're left disappointed not to have beaten a team in the top three."
Wednesday's defending was mostly sound, and Mark Beevers took the eye - despite the fact that he had been suffering from a virus all week. Even as late as the warm-up, the Owls were ready to pull him out if
necessary.
The 19-year-old, who was presented with the official man-of-the-match award by Phillips, said: "It was touch and go. I took it on myself to play; I came through it unscathed, really."
Laws commented: "He's soldiered through it. You've got to give credit to the lad.
"He's shown real spirit and commitment."
The same could be said of the whole team, who are certain to be up for the challenge as they head into their triple derby test.
Manager's View
The game can be so cruel at times. I can't ask any more from the players. They gave everything they can to try to win the game.
It had to be Phillips again. It's always him. I nearly strangled him when he came up the tunnel.
It shows the quality they have. You can't switch off; an opportunity will come, and the last person you want it to fall to is Phillips.
It feels like we've lost.
It was one-way traffic in the second half. I'm sure Birmingham have never been so stretched. We had them on the back foot on many occasions.
Jermaine Johnson was a major thorn in their side. From that point of view, it was very pleasing.
If we are feeling disappointed and dejected, we should also feel that playing like that against a team who are in the top three and have spent all that money is a major plus, not a negative.
Got a view? Add your comment below.
READ MORE
Watch Premiership highlights, international football, golf, tennis, darts and much more
Football headlines.
Football gossip.
Blades news
Blades watch 0809 - The season so far
Owls news
Owls watch 0809 - The season so far
Reds news.
Millers news.
More rugby.
More boxing.
Sports columnists.
All sport categories
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
