New Owls manager Dave Challinor watched from the stands as 10-man Sheffield Wednesday drew 1-1 against Blackpool.
Former Stockport County boss Challinor will be officially announced on Monday but a club statement released before the game confirmed they had reached an agreement with him and he took up his place in the directors’ box in the South Stand just before kick-off.
The Owls, led by interim boss Matt Hamshaw, went in front on 25 minutes when Davis Keillor-Dunn intercepted a loose pass from Leighton Clarkson and he drove towards goal before firing neatly into the bottom corner from distance.
Wednesday largely dominated the first-half but they were reduced to 10-men before the break when referee Simon Mather sent off Sil Swinkels after he was judged to be the last man when he hauled down physical forward Tom Bloxham. And that decision changed the game.
With a man advantage, Blackpool piled on the pressure early on, Hayden Coulson missing a sitter 10 minutes into the second-half. But Wednesday held firm and Keillor-Dunn came close to adding what would have been a stunning second goal for Wednesday but former Owl Bailey Peacock-Farrell did well to parry it away.
Wednesday had limited Blackpool to few chances but the Tangerines equalised when ex-Owl Jerry Yates prodded softly beneath Ashley Maynard-Brewer with nine minutes remaining.
Both sides almost won it late on with incredible strikes from distance, Mason Burstow for the hosts, Olly Casey for the visitors, but the points were shared in what was a feisty clash.
Here are our player ratings from the game...
5. Yan Valery 6
Played higher up in this system and took up his interesting inside positions as Wednesday dominated the first-half. Had to remain diligent in his defensive work in the second 45. Forced a save in the closing stages. | ugc
6. Jaden Heskey 8
Strong performance. Looked after the ball really well and put a shift in. Passed forward and got about the pitch. Did good work at both ends of the field. | ugc
7. Barry Bannan 7
Looked more like his old self as he helped Wednesday dictate and control play. Had some joy when he drifted wide left. Dug in after the break. Fired up in what was a fiesty contest. | ugc
8. Max Lowe 8
An absolute rock. Aggressive, front-footed display. Played forward and ran forward. Made a number of excellent interventions and tackles throughout. Tucked into centre-back after the red. | ugc