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.
13. Jamal Lowe - 8
On at the break in place of McNeill, he immediately offered a little class, jinking through a crowd to force a corner. Went one better not long later, finishing bravely to give Wednesday the lead. With Valentin - and later Windass and Bannan - the double-change changed the game. | SWFC / UGC
14. Josh Windass - 8
On in place of Ugbo in what felt like a very pre-planned switch. Seemed to inject a little something, as did all the second half additions, driving and causing headaches. Yellow carded for a professional trip. | UGC / Getty Images
15. Barry Bannan - 8
On after the hour for Chalobah. Moved it nicely and generally spread a bit of class about. His assist for Valentin's late goal was a thing of beauty. | UGC / Steve Ellis
16. Di’Shon Bernard - N/A
On late in place of Famewo. Couple of good interventions, got himself into a battle. | Ellis / UGC