30 years ago

[HoylandOwl]

1 hour ago, KrolMong said:

You started to see the waning of Irish, Waddle, Sheridan and Hirst. The signing of Andy Pearce to play alongside Des Walker was an odd one. We largely relied on Mark Bright with Flash, Bart-man or Jemmo next to him. It was an odd mix of squad because we had some sublime players mixed with some less sublime. Andy Sinton was the right player on paper, but it never worked out for him. We had a lot of players our for extended periods of time this season.

The thing is, I do think that the initial quartet you mentioned still had 'it'. And I always got the sense that Trev really wanted to break that side up we'd had for a couple of years, to extinguish any languishing comments of 'it was Big Ron's team and you just used them' in his first season. Because I do recall a few murmurings of that, and Trev back then seemed to have a bit of an ego/wanted to stamp authority. 

Although it wasn't necessarily true, with the the signings of Walker, Woods, Waddle and of course Sinton. Who I completely agree with you on. The thought of Waddle on one side and Sinton on the other, after his showings at QPR seemed like a very good decision at the time and we were rightly considered as title contenders, didn't someone like 90 mins magazine predict us to win it?

[Bellsview]

13 minutes ago, HoylandOwl said:

The thought of Waddle on one side and Sinton on the other, after his showings at QPR seemed like a very good decision at the time and we were rightly considered as title contenders, didn't someone like 90 mins magazine predict us to win it?

I’m pretty sure, even with my waning memory, that Alan Hansen predicted us to win the league on MOTD.

[HoylandOwl]

21 minutes ago, Bellsview said:

I’m pretty sure, even with my waning memory, that Alan Hansen predicted us to win the league on MOTD.

He might have done yeah, it was definitely mentioned in the media somewhere.

[Chelters]

8 minutes ago, HoylandOwl said:

He might have done yeah, it was definitely mentioned in the media somewhere.

This would have a great way to set the scene at the start of the thread….😜

[HoylandOwl]

1 hour ago, Chelters said:

This would have a great way to set the scene at the start of the thread….😜

See, I knew you'd mentioned it. 🤣

[Chelters]

Saturday 25 September 1993

FA Carling Premiership

Blackburn Rovers (away)

 

Having picked up their first victory of the season the previous weekend, and survived a tough Cup trip to Bolton in midweek, the Owls were faced with a difficult looking away fixture. The home side were becoming a very good team, not least due to their star striker Alan Shearer, who was returning from injury for this match, and the funds of Jack Wallker. Also in the Rovers line up was the recently departed Paul Warhurst, who had not made the most convincing start with his new club.

 

Wednesday were without Carlton Palmer, meaning Chris Bart-Williams came back into the side. Nigel Worthington was back on the bench, along with – for the first time this season – promising young midfielder Ryan Jones. 

 

The first half was an eventful affair, albeit without any goals. The Owls had four good chances in the first half, all falling to Mark Bright : Mimms made two good saves, he was then driven wide after going round the keeper, and finally had a header shave the foot of the post. For their part, Blackburn were also making chances and Warhurst hit the woodwork twice, first with a right foot effort onto the post in the 10th minute, followed by a looping volley onto the bar.

 

Into the second half, the game was still in the balance but Rovers were looking stronger. In the 52nd minute. Woods parried a shot from Shearer, Kevin Gallacher followed up on the rebound and laid it across goal for Warhurst to slot into the empty net – except somehow he didn’t, managing to divert the ball away from goal with his heel. 

 

The Owls punished this incredible miss a few minutes later. Sinton and Waddle worked a corner routine, Pearce headed down the cross and Graham Hyde nipped in on the half volley to score his first goal of the season. Blackburn pressed for an equaliser and again hit the woodwork with Gallacher’s shot striking the angle of post and bar. But the home side were not to be denied, and it was that man Shearer – who had been kept relatively quiet by Pearce and Walker - who got them level, pouncing on the loose ball after he had challenged for Gallacher’s cross. 

 

And so the Owls were left to rue another lost lead but could not really complain about the result, with Blackburn probably considering themselves a bit unlucky after hitting the woodwork three times. Despite it being a good point, Wednesday were still down in 19th with just the small matter of the reigning champions coming up next.....

 

Final score Blackburn 1-1 Wednesday

 

Blackburn : Mimms, May, Le Saux, Marker, Hendry, Ripley (Newell 74), Warhurst, Sherwood, Wilcox (Berg 66), Shearer, Gallacher. Unused sub : Talia

 

Wednesday : Woods, Nilsson, King, Walker, Pearce, Waddle, Sheridan, Hyde (Jones 90), Sinton, Bright, Bart-Williams (Worthington 86). Unused sub : Pressman

 

Attendance 13,917

 

[Chelters]

Saturday 2 October 1993

FA Carling Premiership

Manchester United (home)

 

With the Owls still struggling at the wrong end of the table, and only one win so far, the last team they wanted to see at Hillsborough were the reigning champions. Having said that, over the previous couple of seasons the visitors had been given a bit of a rough ride in two high scoring affairs. In 1991-92 two goals from Nigel Jemson had given Wednesday a 3-2 win, then a season later Wednesday lost a 3-0 lead in a 3-3 Boxing Day thriller.

 

The visitors’ squad list was no doubt impressive, with players such as Peter Schmeichel, Eric Cantona, Paul Ince, Ryan Giggs etc etc. We all disliked them at the time but 30 years on there is no doubt they were one of the best teams ever to grace the Premiership.

 

Wednesday were able to welcome back Carlton Palmer, and he took his place in the back four alongside Des Walker, with Andy Pearce dropping to the bench. This was on the back of the news that Nigel Pearson’s injury was confirmed as a fracture, albeit a relatively minor one. With backup defenders Watts, Linighan and Stewart all out the options at the back were definitely a bit thin.

 

This was to turn into another high-scoring game, although the first half was to end scoreless. Ince had the first chance for the visitors, saved by Woods. Hyde then scooped a shot over for the Owls, and Gary Pallister came close to scoring an own goal with a header from a corner. United had the last, and maybe best, chance of the half when Lee Sharpe failed to finish after some excellent work by Giggs.

 

Speaking of Giggs, he had overtaken Sharpe as being the ‘new George Best’, and he was certainly showing a lot of promise in the early stages of his career. But this game was to feature a moment in his career that still gets rerun now and he would probably rather forget, as the master embarrassed the apprentice when Chris Waddle went past the youngster not once but twice, the second time dumping Giggs unceremoniously on his arse. I’m sure we’ve all seen the clip on YouTube.

 

Into the second half, and Wednesday quickly took the lead. A quick free kick was played to Chris Bart-Williams and he fired it past Schmeichel for the opening goal. The lead only lasted a few minutes as the visitors came back strongly, Sharpe charging down the left and crossing for Mark Hughes to finish calmly past Woods.

 

Midway through the second half two quick goals from United saw the game go away from the Owls. A fine run and pass from Cantona put Hughes through for his second, then a few minutes later Giggs got his goal as he finished from another Cantona through ball.

 

Wednesday kept going and deservedly got one back with 4 minutes to go when Mark Bright glanced home a header from Waddle’s free kick. There was to be no late equaliser though, and Wednesday were left to reflect on another defeat in a game where they certainly had not disgraced themselves. But with just 7 points to their name from the first 10 games, the Owls were down in 19th place, with only Oldham, Southampton and Swindon beneath them.

 

Final score Wednesday 2-3 Man Utd

 

Wednesday : Woods, Nilsson, King, Palmer, Walker, Waddle, Sinton, Hyde, Sheridan, Bright, Bart-Williams. Unused subs : Pearce, Jones, Pressman

 

United : Schmeichel, Parker, Irwin, Bruce, Pallister, Giggs (Kanchelskis 85), Sharpe, Ince, Keane, Cantona, Hughes. Unused subs : McClair, Sealey

 

Attendance 34,548

 

[HoylandOwl]

Seven points from ten games… those were the days.. 🤣

[Chelters]

Wednesday 6 October 1993

Coca Cola Cup 2nd Round 2nd Leg

Bolton Wanderers (home)

 

Having survived a bit of a scare in the first leg, the Owls were looking to finish the job at Hillsborough in the second leg of this League Cup tie. 

 

In the run-up to the game, there was some bad news as David Hirst had to undergo an operation on his Achilles, a nasty injury that was to keep him out for at least three or four months. This meant that Mark Bright and Chris Bart-Williams were looking like the first choice front two for some time to come, with Gordon Watson currently the only other option. 

 

Bolton lined up in the kit that Wednesday wore in the first leg and were still hopeful of a shock. The Owls were unchanged from the weekend defeat to Manchester United, when they had acquitted themselves well in defeat.

 

It was to prove another tough night for the Owls as Bolton still smelt the chance of a shock. Although Wednesday had the better of the early stages, with Bright and Bart-Williams both going close, it was the visitors who had the best early chance when a stray pass from Phil King allowed Alan Thompson to run through but Chris Woods came to the rescue. Thompson then drew a good save from Woods from a free kick as Bolton showed they meant business. Wednesday were able to re-establish themselves before the break though, with Bart-Williams then Bright again going close.

 

The Owls continued their dominance after half time but struggled to make a breakthrough, the best effort being a free kick from John Sheridan that grazed the post. There was then a scare at the other end as David Lee’s shot hit the top of the crossbar after the home defence failed to deal with a long throw.

 

With the tie still in the balance going into the last ten minutes, the deadlock was finally broken. King fed Andy Sinton down the left wing, and from his run and cross Bright arrived between two defenders to nod the ball home.

 

And so Wednesday were through to the third round, but only just. Another international break beckoned, with a visit from Wimbledon to come on the other side.

 

Final score Wednesday 1-0 Bolton (agg 2-1)

 

Wednesday : Woods, Nilsson, King (Pearce 90), Palmer, Walker, Waddle (Watson 86), Sinton, Sheridan, Hyde, Bart-Williams, Bright. Unused sub : Pressman

 

Bolton : Branagan, Brown, Phillips, Kelly (Coyle 65), Seagraves, Stubbs, Lee, McAteer, Thompson, McGinlay, Patterson. Unused subs : Winstanley, Davison

 

Attendance 16,139

 

[Owling_Wolf]

On 02/10/2023 at 12:31, HoylandOwl said:

Seven points from ten games… those were the days.. 🤣

LUXURY!    

[Chelters]

Saturday 16 October 1993

FA Carling Premiership

Wimbledon (home)

 

After a 10 day international break (yes they were just as annoying back then), the Owls returned to action against Wimbledon. The Dons presented tricky opposition, and were in mid table having lost just two games at this point. Whilst they had moved on a bit from the old Crazy Gang days, they were still frustrating opposition, horrible to watch and play against, with master spoilers Vinnie Jones, John Fashanu and Lawrie Sanchez still in the ranks. They were sprinkled with some quality though, particularly Robbie Earle in midfield.

 

Wednesday were anything but refreshed by the international break as they were forced to make several changes. Chris Woods returned from international duty with a groin problem and had to drop to the bench, meaning Kevin Pressman came in for his Premiership debut. Both Nigel Worthington and Roland Nilsson returned with bugs, and Phil King was also unavailable. John Sheridan was also missing with a thigh injury. All of this meant an unlikely full back pairing of Michael Williams and Andy Sinton, with Ryan Jones coming in for his first start of the season, and Nigel Jemson on the bench following his return from a loan spell at Grimsby.

 

Also on the bench was the Owls’ new international star signing....well not exactly a star signing but certainly an international one. Adem Poric was born in England to Yugoslav and Polish parents but grew up in Australia, and came to Sheffield for £60,000 from St George Budapest (not a Romanian club as their name might suggest). Poric was more a signing for the reserves but was plunged straight into the squad.

 

Despite the visitors’ reputation as being difficult opponents, and the aforementioned injury problems, Wednesday made a bright start and could have been ahead early on when Graham Hyde fired over the bar. The opening goal soon arrived in the 10th minute as Carlton Palmer’s through ball put Mark Bright clear. Bright was hauled down by Brian McAllister but shouts for a penalty proved unnecessary as Chris Waddle was on hand to tap the ball into an empty net.

 

Wednesday continued to be the better team up to half time with Sinton and Jones having chances, with the visitors not offering an awful lot in return.

 

Whatever Trevor Francis said at half time must have been as inspiring as a Xisco Munoz team talk as Wimbledon equalised literally seconds into the second half. Vinnie Jones won a header, Earle miscued and Gary Blissett was on hand to prod home. The second half then became the expected scrappy affair as the visitors’ usual tactics came to the fore, and if anything looked more likely to score as Wednesday struggled to cope with the direct tactics.

 

The appearance of Poric on 79 minutes for his debut gave the Owls impetus, and with just five minutes to go it was the Australian’s run down the right that eventually created the chance for Ryan Jones to score in off the post for his first senior goal. 

 

However, there was still time for the Dons to get back into it and, having forced last minute equalisers in the previous two meetings, there was an air of inevitability when it happened again as that man Vinnie Jones headed home. 

 

So it was a depressingly predictable ending and another game in which the Owls failed to hold on to the advantage. Just one win from the first 11 meant they remained in 19th place and, with injuries starting to mount, things weren’t looking great.

 

Final score Wednesday 2-2 Wimbledon

 

Wednesday : Pressman, Williams, Sinton, Pearce, Walker, Bart-Williams (Poric 79), Jones, Hyde, Palmer, Waddle, Bright. Unused subs : Jemson, Woods

 

Wimbledon : Segers, Fear, Kimble, McAllister, Fitzgerald, Ardley (Clarke 88), Sanchez, Jones, Earle, Holdsworth, Blissett. Unused subs : Miller, Digweed

 

Attendance 21,752

[Andyben]

8 minutes ago, Chelters said:

and came to Sheffield for £60,000 from St George Budapest (not a Romanian club as their name might suggest).

"Hello @Chelters, it's The Star. Do you fancy a job?"

[Chelters]

16 minutes ago, Andyben said:

"Hello @Chelters, it's The Star. Do you fancy a job?"

😀You spotted the deliberate mistake. At least I spelt it right 

[Chelters]

Saturday 23 October 1993

FA Carling Premiership

Sheffield United (away)

 

And so here it was...the first Sheffield derby of the season. Wednesday had certainly not had the better of the league encounters over the previous two seasons but, with undoubtedly the superior squad and the memories of the semi-final at Wembley still fresh, this season would surely have felt like the time to assert some dominance over our neighbours.

 

However, the Owls did not arrive at this fixture in great shape, with a worrying injury list and still only one win to their name. United had not started much better but were just above Wednesday in the table, a rare occurrence in these days. This was a Blades side still under the management of Dave Bassett, so champagne football it was not, but it was a style that had brought them relative success by staying up for a few seasons, something that they have struggled to do since.

 

Wednesday were able to welcome Roland Nilsson back from illness, but were now without Chris Bart-Williams to add to the others still out - Woods, Worthington, King, Pearson, Sheridan, Hirst, Watson. This meant that Adem Poric, following a promising appearance off the bench against Wimbledon, got his first start on the right of midfield.

 

The game sprang into life with two goals in the first 12 minutes. It was the hosts who got off the mark first. Mitch Ward was fouled outside the box, and it was the same player who got up to swing in a free kick. Kevin Pressman and Andy Pearce managed to make a balls up of it and Glyn Hodges was on hand to slot the ball home. The Blades fans got a bit giddy as usual but only had a few minutes to celebrate as the Owls fashioned an equaliser. Mark Bright did well to hold off three players in the box and his cross was met by Carlton Palmer, who arrowed a header into the net for his first goal of the season.

 

United got on the front foot and, with their usual complete lack of style, forced Wednesday on the back foot. Des Walker had to be quick (well, not that quick) to snuff out two chances for a tramp who was ambling round the pitch with the name 'Cork' on his back. Pressman's main task was to catch the myriad of crosses aimed in the direction of Jostein Flo. 

 

Then, in the second half......well, not much happened. It was a very scrappy affair, with the best chance arriving at the head of Flo, who was denied by a good save from Pressman. Chris Waddle slipped when it looked like he would get a run on goal, and Ryan Jones had a decent effort in the last minute, but other than that home keeper Simon Tracey was relatively untroubled. Quite why Tracey was playing ahead of Alan Kelly was always a bit of a mystery to me but there you go.

 

The Owls were definitely the happier of the two teams given their injury problems. Bassett commented afterwards that it was 'the worst derby he had ever been involved in'. For someone who was responsible for more pairs of bleeding eyes than most managers since, that's saying something. Despite being relatively content with the result, Wednesday were still in 19th place with just the one win and another local rival coming up in the next home game.....

 

Final score United 1-1 Wednesday

 

United : Tracey, Bradshaw, Hartfield, Tuttle, Hoyland, Rogers, Falconer, Hodges, Ward (Davison 86), Flo, Cork (Whitehouse 76). Unused sub : Kelly

 

Wednesday : Pressman, Nilsson, Sinton, Pearce, Walker, Poric, Jones, Palmer, Hyde, Waddle, Bright (Jemson 79). Unused subs : Williams, Woods

[Owling_Wolf]

7 hours ago, Chelters said:

Saturday 23 October 1993

FA Carling Premiership

Sheffield United (away)

 

And so here it was...the first Sheffield derby of the season. Wednesday had certainly not had the better of the league encounters over the previous two seasons but, with undoubtedly the superior squad and the memories of the semi-final at Wembley still fresh, this season would surely have felt like the time to assert some dominance over our neighbours.

 

However, the Owls did not arrive at this fixture in great shape, with a worrying injury list and still only one win to their name. United had not started much better but were just above Wednesday in the table, a rare occurrence in these days. This was a Blades side still under the management of Dave Bassett, so champagne football it was not, but it was a style that had brought them relative success by staying up for a few seasons, something that they have struggled to do since.

 

Wednesday were able to welcome Roland Nilsson back from illness, but were now without Chris Bart-Williams to add to the others still out - Woods, Worthington, King, Pearson, Sheridan, Hirst, Watson. This meant that Adem Poric, following a promising appearance off the bench against Wimbledon, got his first start on the right of midfield.

 

The game sprang into life with two goals in the first 12 minutes. It was the hosts who got off the mark first. Mitch Ward was fouled outside the box, and it was the same player who got up to swing in a free kick. Kevin Pressman and Andy Pearce managed to make a balls up of it and Glyn Hodges was on hand to slot the ball home. The Blades fans got a bit giddy as usual but only had a few minutes to celebrate as the Owls fashioned an equaliser. Mark Bright did well to hold off three players in the box and his cross was met by Carlton Palmer, who arrowed a header into the net for his first goal of the season.

 

United got on the front foot and, with their usual complete lack of style, forced Wednesday on the back foot. Des Walker had to be quick (well, not that quick) to snuff out two chances for a tramp who was ambling round the pitch with the name 'Cork' on his back. Pressman's main task was to catch the myriad of crosses aimed in the direction of Jostein Flo. 

 

Then, in the second half......well, not much happened. It was a very scrappy affair, with the best chance arriving at the head of Flo, who was denied by a good save from Pressman. Chris Waddle slipped when it looked like he would get a run on goal, and Ryan Jones had a decent effort in the last minute, but other than that home keeper Simon Tracey was relatively untroubled. Quite why Tracey was playing ahead of Alan Kelly was always a bit of a mystery to me but there you go.

 

The Owls were definitely the happier of the two teams given their injury problems. Bassett commented afterwards that it was 'the worst derby he had ever been involved in'. For someone who was responsible for more pairs of bleeding eyes than most managers since, that's saying something. Despite being relatively content with the result, Wednesday were still in 19th place with just the one win and another local rival coming up in the next home game.....

 

Final score United 1-1 Wednesday

 

United : Tracey, Bradshaw, Hartfield, Tuttle, Hoyland, Rogers, Falconer, Hodges, Ward (Davison 86), Flo, Cork (Whitehouse 76). Unused sub : Kelly

 

Wednesday : Pressman, Nilsson, Sinton, Pearce, Walker, Poric, Jones, Palmer, Hyde, Waddle, Bright (Jemson 79). Unused subs : Williams, Woods

You kept that quiet, Tee.  👀

[Chelters]

Wednesday 27 October 1993

Coca Cola Cup 3rd Round

Middlesbrough (away)

 

Having seen off Bolton in the second round, Wednesday were dealt another tough tie, this time against second tier Middlesbrough, who were fighting to return to the top flight after being relegated in the Premier League's inaugural season. These were the days before the Riverside Stadium, as the game was hosted at the somewhat more homely Ayresome Park.

 

The Owls were able to welcome back Nigel Worthington to slot straight back in at left back and allow Andy Sinton to move back to his more normal wing spot. This was to prove another tough night, and not just in a footballing sense against a physical Boro outfit.

 

The home side, managed by Lennie Lawrence, were at it from the off and John Hendrie in particular caused the Owls trouble all night. He kept Kevin Pressman busy, with Moore and Mustoe also forcing the Wednesday keeper into good saves.

 

Most of the action occurred in the second half. After seven minutes a neat through ball from former Owls legend Chris Morris put that man Hendrie in to poke the ball past Pressman. Boro continued to make it difficult but Wednesday did have chances. Chris Waddle fired one over before seeing another effort cleared off the line and sub Nigel Jemson also failed to keep a shot down.

 

With 13 minutes to go the game looked like it had gone for Wednesday as Mark Bright was sent off for an innocuous off the ball incident with Derek Whyte. The Boro man was himself booked, and gave away a free kick, but it seemed to be Bright's reaction that got him dismissed. Whyte admitted afterwards that not much happened but unfortunately it was enough to see the Wednesday striker earn a 3 match suspension. Minutes later Des Walker was caught with a high foot from Hendrie and was bleeding profusely, but this was apparently OK in referee Terry Lunt's eyes.

 

But with just two minutes left, Wednesday saved themselves as Waddle hit a superb through pass to Carlton Palmer, who finished emphatically for his second goal in as many games. No extra time or penalties here, it was to be a replay at Hillsborough in a couple of weeks' time.

 

Final score Middlesbrough 1-1 Wednesday

 

Middlesbrough : Pears, Morris, Liburd, Mohan, Whyte, Hignett, Mustoe, Fleming, Moore, Hendrie, Wilkinson. Unused subs : Kavanagh, Barron, Collett

 

Wednesday : Pressman, Nilsson, Worthington, Walker (Williams), Pearce, Jones (Jemson), Sinton, Hyde, Palmer, Bright, Waddle. Unused sub : Woods

 

Attendance 14,765

 

 

 

[Kiwi Owl]

On 24/09/2023 at 02:31, Bellsview said:

I’m pretty sure, even with my waning memory, that Alan Hansen predicted us to win the league on MOTD.

I actually remember this. Only two pundits when they did the prediction time there went for Wednesday. The two that went for us on MOTD were Trevor Brooking and Ray Stubbs. 

Alan Hansen went for Manchester United. 

 

[Chelters]

Saturday 30 October 1993

FA Carling Premiership

Leeds United (home)

 

For the second league game running, the Owls faced local rivals, this time in the shape of Leeds United. The visitors were of course managed by Howard Wilkinson and with their title win of 1992 still very much fresh in the memory. Wednesday were still carrying several injuries but were at least able to welcome John Sheridan back for a place on the bench, and Nigel Jemson got his first start of the season. Leeds had a centre back pairing of two players who left Hillsborough as youngsters, Jon Newsome and David Wetherall, and also had another familiar Sheffield face in Brian Deane up front.

 

In other news, despite their lack of numbers Wednesday had allowed a couple of players to go out on loan, as Phil King joined Notts County and back-up goalkeeper Lance Key went to Oldham. Youngsters Michael Rowntree and Ronnie Simpson were also sent out on loan to Hartlepool. The programme for the day contained an ominous looking advert : 

 

"If you're committed to the Owls and a little musically inclined you may be just the person we're looking for. The search is on for trumpeters, drummers or anyone else who can contribute to the Hillsborough match day atmosphere. If you think you could 'Sound the Charge' or 'Beat the Drum' please contact 337235". I'm not sure the same advert would elicit a particularly friendly response on the phone these days......

 

Anyway, back to the game and it was to be the definition of a 'pulsating derby'. Wednesday took the lead in just the second minute as Chris Waddle crashed in a brilliant free kick (where have we seen that before?)  after Andy Sinton was brought down. But Leeds almost got a quick equaliser when Dorigo's cross was headed onto the underside of the bar by Deane. 

 

The visitors did get level in the 42nd minute as David Rocastle's cross was headed home by Chris Fairclough. It only took the Owls a minute to restore their lead though, Waddle putting in a swerving centre for Ryan Jones to head home powerfully past Mark Beeney. 

 

The second half was similarly exciting. In the 57th minute Leeds equalised in controversial fashion. Beeney's long kick sailed over everyone with Rod Wallace running onto it. Everyone was convinced he was offside, but the linesman didn't agree, and Wallace beat Kevin Pressman at the second attempt. 10 minutes later the visitors went in front, as Palmer and NIlsson failed to cut out a cross from the right and Gary Speed drilled home in front of the Leeds fans.

 

Wednesday had to dig in and got an equaliser just three minutes later. Des Walker found himself in the unfamiliar territory of the Leeds box and set up Mark Bright to slam home in front of the Kop. There was to be no more scoring and both sides were probably both relieved and frustrated at the same time. Francis bemoaned Wednesday's defending, whilst Wilkinson was happy with his team's performance but wishing they did not have to face Waddle.

 

So Wednesday, 13 games into the season, still only had the one win to their name and dropped into the relegation zone despite playing some exciting football. Surely it had to get better soon?

 

Final score : Wednesday 3-3 Leeds

 

Wednesday : Pressman, Nilsson, Worthington, Pearce, Walker, Waddle, Sinton, Jones, Palmer, Jemson (Sheridan 83), Bright. Unused subs : Williams, Woods

 

Leeds : Beeney, Kelly, Dorigo, Newsome, Wetherall, Rocastle (Hodge 76), Speed, Fairclough, McAllister, Wallace, Deane. Unused subs : Strandl, Lukic

 

Attendance : 31,892

 

[EastCraigsOwl]

19 hours ago, Chelters said:

The programme for the day contained an ominous looking advert : 

"If you're committed to the Owls and a little musically inclined you may be just the person we're looking for. The search is on for trumpeters, drummers or anyone else who can contribute to the Hillsborough match day atmosphere. If you think you could 'Sound the Charge' or 'Beat the Drum' please contact 337235". I'm not sure the same advert would elicit a particularly friendly response on the phone these days......

 

the visitors went in front, as Palmer failed to cut out a cross.

I'm sure such an occurrence would also raise a comment or two on here nowadays ☺️

[Chelters]

Not looking for anyone to blow smoke up my arse or owt (well maybe a bit) but just wanted to check that this was going down OK, not too long, right sort of content etc? 
Any suggestions more than welcome, I’m not precious. It’s a nice distraction from the current shitshow. 

[HoylandOwl]

It’s great. Long may it continue

[Sparkowl]

1 hour ago, Chelters said:

Not looking for anyone to blow smoke up my arse or owt (well maybe a bit) but just wanted to check that this was going down OK, not too long, right sort of content etc? 
Any suggestions more than welcome, I’m not precious. It’s a nice distraction from the current shitshow. 

Love it, keep it up.

[Andyben]

Agreed.

Would make a decent 'magazine' post tat could be circulated on Twitter to bring people into the site 

[wollowl]

please keep it going Chelters

[cheat]

It’s very good.

[Lee]

Really enjoy it mate. Nostalgia personified!!

[EastCraigsOwl]

Always enjoy these threads, even though it means I'm officially an auld **** who can remember back that far.

[Vialli]

I wish I could remember these games. I should, I was at them all.

Keep it going Chelters I love it, just want to do it all again. 

[Chelters]

Thanks for the positive messages, just wanted to check I was on the right track.

Also good to get the seal of approval from the founder of this idea, thanks cheat. 

[Owling_Wolf]

3 hours ago, Vialli said:

I wish I could remember these games. I should, I was at them all.

Keep it going Chelters I love it, just want to do it all again. 

Sign of a well spent life.  😋

[HarrySpeakup]

Great stuff Chelters

Was I only really 38?

[Otto_Man]

8 hours ago, Vialli said:

I wish I could remember these games. I should, I was at them all.

Keep it going Chelters I love it, just want to do it all again. 

Exactly where I am Vialli and keep up the great work @Chelters

[KrolMong]

This season was the first season i had a season ticket on my own without an adult present.

I also did a few away games this season without an adult present as well (I was 15). We started to build our ‘away day’ group around this time that’s pretty much existed ever since.

[Reesh]

Great stuff Chelters.

[Chelters]

Saturday 6 November 1993

FA Carling Premiership

Ipswich Town (away)

 

Still languishing towards the bottom of the table, Wednesday embarked on the long trip to Suffolk hoping for a first away win since March. The hosts had had an OK start to the season but were in the bottom half, so there did seem a chance for Wednesday to get that elusive second win of the season.

 

The Owls were unchanged from the home draw with Leeds, meaning Nigel Jemson continued up front with Mark Bright, and Kevin Pressman continued his run of starts in goal. Ipswich fielded ex-Barnsley stopper Clive Baker in goal, along with ex-Owl Steve Whitton in midfield. A certain Neil Thompson also lined up at left back.

 

The first half was almost one way traffic as Wednesday, who had shown signs of finally clicking in recent games, completely dominated and deservedly went in ahead. The breakthrough goal came in the 19th minute as Andy Sinton twisted and turned on the left flank, tying Mick Stockwell in knots in the process, and crossed for Jemson to head home at the far post. 

 

In truth, Wednesday should have been out of sight by half time. Baker made an unbelievable save from a Ryan Jones header, and then twice produced saves from Sinton efforts. The Owls went in to the break 1-0 up having played really well, but with that nagging sense that maybe they could regret not making their dominance pay even more.

 

Thankfully such worries were to prove unfounded as the visitors continued to dominate in the second half. A few minutes after the restart it was the same combination who made it 2-0; Sinton exchanged passes with Nigel Worthington and produced a lovely chipped cross over Baker that Jemson touched in from close range at the far post. Having got some breathing space the confidence grew and it was soon 3-0. This time Jemson was involved in the build up as he sent Jones away down the left, and his low cross was touched in by Mark Bright.

 

Ipswich were completely out of the game by this point and the visiting fans were loving it. The goal of the match arrived in the 76th minute when Carlton Palmer picked the ball up 10 yards into the Ipswich half and drove at the home defence. With three defenders unable to keep up, Palmer advanced into the area and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner from the angle. It was probably the goal of Carlton's career and worth looking up on YouTube.

 

On a personal note, I watched this game from an executive box due to my Dad having some work contacts in Ipswich (and it happened to be his birthday). For the first three goals Chelters and Chelters Sr. kept their celebrations in check out of respect for the hosts, but that goal by Carlton was just too good and we could keep it in no longer. Cue a somewhat abashed and not entirely sincere apology a few moments later.

 

Ipswich did get a consolation with 9 minutes to go when the be-mulleted Ian Marshall headed in but there was no concern over a freakish late fight back as the hosts' race was run.

 

And so the game ended in a handsome and deserved win for Wednesday, with the distinct feeling that maybe things had finally clicked?

 

Final score : Ipswich 1-4 Wednesday

 

Ipswich : Baker, Stockwell, Thompson, Wark, Linighan, Whelan (Youds 57), Mason, Whitton (Palmer 57), Milton, Marshall, Slater. Unused sub : Morgan

 

Wednesday : Pressman, Nilsson, Worthington, Pearce, Walker, Waddle, Sinton, Palmer, Jones, Jemson (Hyde 88), Bright. Unused subs : Poric, Woods

 

Attendance : 15,070

 

 

 

[mkowl]

Nice memory that one Chelts. Did your Dad suddenly find his work contacts no longer phoned. 

I always hate to ask is your Dad still flying the flag or tutting from up on high. 

[Chelters]

7 minutes ago, mkowl said:

Nice memory that one Chelts. Did your Dad suddenly find his work contacts no longer phoned. 

I always hate to ask is your Dad still flying the flag or tutting from up on high. 

He’s still with us, 85 tomorrow and the reason I’m a Wednesdayite.

[mkowl]

3 minutes ago, Chelters said:

He’s still with us, 85 tomorrow and the reason I’m a Wednesdayite.

Happy birthday to Chelts Snr 

[Owling_Wolf]

Bless him!  🦉🍷

[HoylandOwl]

11 hours ago, Chelters said:

He’s still with us, 85 tomorrow and the reason I’m a Wednesdayite.

Happy birthday Chelt Snr.

[JBO]

I was at a wedding that day and unthinkable as it is now I couldn't find out the score until I saw a paper the following morning 

I thought there was a misprint

I'd like to say they are celebrating their 30th anniversary tomorrow but it lasted about 6 months 

[HoylandOwl]

Remember that day pretty well, I'm still as aghast at Carlton's goal as I was on the day!

[Otto_Man]

Scored some mental goals did Palmer, do we have his ridiculous looping header from about 30 yards out to come this season?

[Andyben]

25 minutes ago, Otto_Man said:

Scored some mental goals did Palmer, do we have his ridiculous looping header from about 30 yards out to come this season?

TBF he tried to bring it down on his chest

[HoylandOwl]

5 hours ago, Otto_Man said:

Scored some mental goals did Palmer, do we have his ridiculous looping header from about 30 yards out to come this season?

That was away at Everton, went in off the bar. 

[Owling_Wolf]

2 hours ago, HoylandOwl said:

That was away at Everton, went in off the bar. 

Don't tell us who did it!   🙄

[Chelters]

Wednesday 10 November 1993

Coca Cola Cup 3rd Round Replay

Middlesbrough (home)

 

Having relied on a late equaliser from Carlton Palmer to keep them in the competition two weeks previously, the Owls now looked to finish the job against their First Division opponents. Wednesday made two changes to the team that had won convincingly at Ipswich, with Michael Williams in for Roland Nilsson at right back, and Gordon Watson recalled to replace the suspended Mark Bright up front. For their part, Boro were fielding a young line up, but one that had given a good account of themselves in the first game.

 

The draw for the fourth round had already taken place, and the winners of this tie knew they would be lining up against Queens Park Rangers - a game that their former manager Trevor Francis would probably look forward to, having left them under a bit of a cloud. 

 

Wednesday looked like they were going to make it a comfortable night as they went ahead after just 15 minutes. Nigel Jemson won a high ball and his strike partner Watson nipped in to lift the ball over Steve Pears in the visitors' goal. However, Boro hit back quickly, and it was two future Owls who did the damage as Graham Kavanagh found space in the area to shoot, Pressman saved but Robbie Mustoe was there to tap it in.

 

Wednesday dominated possession for the rest of the half but struggled to create clear chances, with Carlton Palmer and Andy Sinton both having efforts off target.

 

Into the second half and the Owls continued to have most of the play, creating several chances but not being able to get that vital goal. Jones, Sinton, Watson and Waddle all had decent efforts but were either off target or were denied by Pears. With two minutes to go, the youthful visitors could and should have snatched it as Craig Hignett ran through but put his effort off target. 

 

And so the game went into extra time, with penalties looming if no winner could be found (the first season that this was the case in this competition). Wednesday continued to have the play and the chances but looked like they weren't going to make the breakthrough as the game entered the final five minutes. Then Sinton put in a curling cross and it was that man Palmer who stuck a left foot volley into the bottom corner for his fourth goal in five games. Sub Adem Poric nearly sealed it with a powerful effort but no further goals were needed to see the Owls through in what had been a tough tie.

 

Final score : Wednesday 2-1 Middlesbrough

 

Wednesday : Pressman, Williams (Poric 112), Worthington, Pearce, Walker, Waddle, Sinton, Palmer, Jones, Watson (Hyde 90), Jemson. Unused sub : Key

 

Middlesbrough : Pears, Fleming, Liburd, Mohan, Barron, Hignett, Moore, Peake, Mustoe, Stamp, Kavanagh (Illman 75), Unused subs : Oliver, Collett

 

Attendance : 19,428

[Lee]

Good stuff Chelts.

I have that programme so would have been but have had a drink or two since then and have no recollection of the game at all!!!

[Lee]

I was a bit thrown with mention of graham kavanagh, thinking bloody hell that was 30 years ago and he played for us not that long ago. A quick Google and he played for us 15 years ago, which in itself is madness how time flies as we get older!!

Time is short.

[HoylandOwl]

The Boro team on that programme 🤮