A host of missed chances in the first half – notably from Saido Berahino – made the match more even than it should have been and it took a Lee Gregory penalty in the second half for Wednesday to find the breakthrough.
It was no wonder a huge roar went up from the 22,000 Owls fans in attandance after the referee blew the final whistle, but more out of relief than anything else.
Hrre’s how we rated the Owls players on the night.
Hrre’s how we rated the Owls players on the night.
5. Jack Hunt - 6
A little quieter going forward than usual with much of the play going down the other flank. Had a shot on goal in the second half that he perhaps could have done better with.
Photo: Steve Ellis
6. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing - 7
The star man on the night - almost everything from an attacking sense went through him and Crewe couldn't handle his direct running and pace. Won the penalty with a jink into the box and was a constant threat all night before coming off for Dunkley in the latter stages
Photo: Steve Ellis
7. George Byers - 6
Busy as ever, breaking up the play and doing the simple things well. Probably had more opportunity to get forward such was the lack of a Crewe threat but he stopped back and allowed others to break
Photo: Steve Ellis
8. Barry Bannan - 6
From the highs of Saturday to a fairly low-key display by the skipper with things just not coming off for him. It wasn't an off day but you can allow him one where he doesn't quite set the world alight
Photo: Steve Ellis