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...
9. Callum Slattery 7
Looked very bright and sharp. A couple of inviting crosses deserved someone on the end of them. Hard-working as The Owls tried to defend their lead. | ugc
10. Davis Keillor-Dunn 9
A big chance came his way midway through the first-half but the ball wouldn't drop initially for him and then when it did his effort was blocked on the line. Gave Wednesday the lead just before the half-hour mark with a sweet strike from distance after pinching possession. Almost scored what would have been a stunning second from miles out but former Owl Peacock-Farrell made a terrific save. Legs rested on 80. Came off to a deserved standing ovation. | ugc
11. Mason Burstow 7
Made a confident start after his goal in midweek but should have at least hit the target with a close-range header from Bannan's cross. Almost netted a worldie from miles out. | ugc
