There will have been moments at Blundell Park that will have concerned Danny Röhl, particularly in a first half that was at times painfully ponderous. All is well that ends well, as the saying goes, and this tie ended very well indeed as his side got their act together with the help of a few big names to record a handsome 5-1 Carabao Cup second round win.
There were bright performances in a far more energetic second half, the cavalry of Messrs Valentin, Jamal Lowe, Windass and Bannan all providing their own injection of quality on a night that tested them. Ike Ugbo got his first start and his first goal since his return to the club, Lowe bagged his second and Callum Paterson claimed a brace. Even Pol Valentin popped up with a late goal. What was anyone worrying about?
Here are our Owls player ratings from a topsy-turvy and ultimately successful evening in Cleethorpes.
5. Marvin Johnson - 8
Drove at Grimsby's right side when he could and caused the odd issue. Lovely ball to find Paterson in the second half but mistimed - worked nicely with Kobacki to claim a deserved assist for Paterson's first goal. | UGC / Steve Ellis
6. Sean Fusire - 5
Once again seemed to enjoying putting himself about. Broke forward nicely and caused problems but seemed to be a touch behind the pace a little for periods. Off at half-time. | SWFC / UGC
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7. Nathaniel Chalobah - 7
Making his Wednesday debut having shaken off an impact niggle, he found himself at the heart of what they did well and sought to orchestrate things. Should be happy with a tidy hour's run-out and minutes in the legs, Bannan replacing him on 60. | SWFC / UGC
8. Callum Paterson - 7
Touch evaded him too many times in the first half and in moments he looked just a wee bit off the pace. Kept going as he always does and got his reward with two match-sealing late goals that all but sealed the tie. | UGC / Steve Ellis