Warned that their friendly efforts are a work in progress as Xisco continues to put work into his squad, the Owls had a handful of half-chances but failed to take them at the Eco-Power Stadium, who won out through Luke Molyneux’s second half header.
Xisco shuffled his pack and made a raft of substitutes at regular second half intervals, knowing that fitness and play patterns were far more important than the result.
But Owls fans will want to see more cohesion - and perhaps a number of new players - when Premier League Luton Town arrive to Hillsborough for the final run-out o the summer next weekend.
They’ll certainly want to see some goals.
But Owls fans will want to see more cohesion - and perhaps a number of new players - when Premier League Luton Town arrive to Hillsborough for the final run-out o the summer next weekend.
![Made a vital block on 22 minutes to deny Rowe, racing in from the left. Got involved in a few moves and was tidy enough but flitted in and out a touch. Lost Molyneux for Rovers’ winner.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmMzYjA3OWVlLWIxZDAtNDIyNi1iMGJkLTc4YjYwNTc1YWMyNjpiMzEyNjYyOC1kOGUwLTQ3N2UtYTdjZi1jNzk1ZDIyZTdmODI=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
5. Reece James - 5
Made a vital block on 22 minutes to deny Rowe, racing in from the left. Got involved in a few moves and was tidy enough but flitted in and out a touch. Lost Molyneux for Rovers’ winner. Photo: Steve Ellis Steve Ellis
![Stationed as the midfield general and tasked with setting up play from deep, he worked diligently. Broke up a couple of attacks, dragged a shot wide. Megnutted twice.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/07/13/15/GettyImages-1475225892.jpg?trim=0,57,0,56&width=800)
6. Will Vaulks - 5
Stationed as the midfield general and tasked with setting up play from deep, he worked diligently. Broke up a couple of attacks, dragged a shot wide. Megnutted twice. | Getty Images
![Sprayed a couple of traditionally easy-on-the-eye passes early doors. Worked hard to get on the ball but couldn’t sustain huge involvement.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjM5YWY5YjkzLTdhM2QtNDg4YS04OWNjLTkwNDJjODFkMGVkNjozMDU3MWQ4NS1lMGNmLTQ0YjUtODJhZS1lNzRkNTdhYjZlZjI=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
7. Barry Bannan - 5
Sprayed a couple of traditionally easy-on-the-eye passes early doors. Worked hard to get on the ball but couldn’t sustain huge involvement. Photo: Steve Ellis Steve Ellis
![Burst from midfield to make the most of a sloppy Rovers clearance early doors and did well to dink Lawlor in their goal, but it wasn’t enough. Shifted to right-back and smashed a couple about.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjI3NTk5ZjYyLWYyZTctNDQ3My05YjJmLTE4OGZmZTM5YzczYjoyN2E3MmQxYS1iOWRkLTRmOWYtYjQwNC0zM2QxZDAyZGZiZjg=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=639)
8. Callum Paterson - 6
Burst from midfield to make the most of a sloppy Rovers clearance early doors and did well to dink Lawlor in their goal, but it wasn’t enough. Shifted to right-back and smashed a couple about. Photo: Contributed