A miserable first half effort ultimately meant little as Sheffield Wednesday came back from behind at Salford City to elbow past the League Two side in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy.
Wednesday were out-shot 10 to one in a dismal first 45 minutes before they grew into things, with David Keillor-Dunn nodding home his first Owls goal before Jamal Lowe stroked home from the spot following fine work from substitute Callum Slattery.
Debutant Joel Akpobi was the star man on a head-scratching evening - in which Wednesday took three points and another win into the international break.
Here are our ratings from the AIG Stadium.
5. Reece James - 6
Linked up nicely with debutant Akpobi on occasion and sought to get forward when he could. Battled away and looked a frustrated figure at times. Off on the hour. | ugc
6. Jaden Heskey - 5
Really involved early doors, seeking to take control of the game's tempo in the early stages. Wasn't able to turn the tide in Wednesday's favour when Salford dominated and could have been more positive in possession. | ugc
7. Jarvis Thornton - 5
Belted about but couldn't offer a great deal of control. Threw himself into tackles, grew into things and was tidy enough but couldn't set any tempo. | ugc
8. Joel Akpobi - 8
Making his debut, got on the ball early and produced a nice couple of nerve-settling touches. From there he was off, trying things and looking to beat men. It didn't always come off - until it did. His dart-and-cross allowed DKD to equalise. An interesting proposition. | Via instagram.com/xyzfootballacademy/