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Saturday 22 October 1994

FA Carling Premiership

Newcastle United (away)

 

After consecutive league wins for the first time in the season, the Owls travelled to St James's Park with a bit of renewed confidence. But this was a very good Newcastle side, who had started the season unbeaten and, despite it only being their second season after promotion, were starting to look like genuine title challengers under Kevin Keegan. Although this was before the signings of Alan Shearer and Les Ferdinand, the Magpies nevertheless had a fearsome striker in the form of a pre-Andrew Andy Cole.

 

Wednesday made two changes to the team that had beaten Manchester United and Ipswich. Ian Taylor deservedly got a spot after an impressive substitute display at Ipswich and Andy Sinton also returned. Chris Bart-Williams and Lee Briscoe were the two players to drop out. The home team included striker Paul Kitson - recently signed from Derby - up front with Cole for his full home debut.

 

The first half was relatively quiet with Wednesday holding their own. Midway through the half Kevin Pressman took a novel approach to taking an opponent out of the game by slamming a clearance straight into the face of Kitson, who had to be substituted. Say what you like about Kev, but when he wellied a ball it stayed welled and you certainly wouldn't want one of his piledrivers in the mush. Unfortunately, the Owls had their own injury issue a few minutes afterwards as David Hirst left the field with a knee injury to be replaced by Bart-Willams.

 

Wednesday's good first half was unfortunately undone in a nightmare spell ten minutes before the break. Firstly, Steve Watson put the home side ahead as his powerful shot from the area deflected off Philippe Albert and flew past Pressman (Watson was credited with the goal). Then, just two minutes later, Pressman unwisely chased a ball wide of the area, his sliding challenge wasn't too effective, allowing Scott Sellars to float over a long cross that Cole volleyed in to the unguarded net as the Wednesday defenders collectively watched it sail over them.

 

It was harsh on the Owls for their first half display but a lesson in how a bit of good fortune can be ruthlessly taken advantage of by a good team. However, Wednesday kept at it and, rather than letting the game run away from them, went for it in the second half.

 

Ten minutes into the half, Graham Hyde got a cross in that was headed towards goal by Mark Bright. Pavel Srnicek (RIP) in the Newcastle goal could only parry it - when he probably should have done better - and Taylor reacted quickly to poke it into the net. From there on in it was the away side who looked more likely to score and made several chances. The best arrived at the feet of substitute Dan Petrescu but, when put through on goal by John Sheridan, he decided to try a chip which floated harmlessly into the arms of Srnicek.

 

After the game, the Newcastle manager and players were complimentary about Wednesday's efforts (easy to be generous when you've won of course). So although the winning run was over perhaps it was one of those games to still try and take the positives from. 

 

Final score : Newcastle 2-1 Wednesday

 

Newcastle : Srnicek, Hottiger, Beresford, Peacock, Albert, Fox, Watson, Beardsley, Sellars, Kitson (Clark 22), Cole. Unused subs : Mathie, Hooper

 

Wednesday : Pressman, Atherton (Petrescu 65), Nolan, Pearce, Walker, Taylor, Hyde, Sheridan, Sinton, Hirst (Bart-Williams 29), Bright. Unused sub : Key

 

Attendance : 34,408

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It is perhaps the continuing evidence of Wednesday being past peak, a combination of how the replacement players were not to the same level, but other sides like Newcastle were overtaking us. 

Suspect the Wednesday board were more focused on the South Stand and stadium upgrade than that on the pitch. 

 

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12 hours ago, Chelters said:

Saturday 22 October 1994

FA Carling Premiership

Newcastle United (away)

 

After consecutive league wins for the first time in the season, the Owls travelled to St James's Park with a bit of renewed confidence. But this was a very good Newcastle side, who had started the season unbeaten and, despite it only being their second season after promotion, were starting to look like genuine title challengers under Kevin Keegan. Although this was before the signings of Alan Shearer and Les Ferdinand, the Magpies nevertheless had a fearsome striker in the form of a pre-Andrew Andy Cole.

 

Wednesday made two changes to the team that had beaten Manchester United and Ipswich. Ian Taylor deservedly got a spot after an impressive substitute display at Ipswich and Andy Sinton also returned. Chris Bart-Williams and Lee Briscoe were the two players to drop out. The home team included striker Paul Kitson - recently signed from Derby - up front with Cole for his full home debut.

 

The first half was relatively quiet with Wednesday holding their own. Midway through the half Kevin Pressman took a novel approach to taking an opponent out of the game by slamming a clearance straight into the face of Kitson, who had to be substituted. Say what you like about Kev, but when he wellied a ball it stayed welled and you certainly wouldn't want one of his piledrivers in the mush. Unfortunately, the Owls had their own injury issue a few minutes afterwards as David Hirst left the field with a knee injury to be replaced by Bart-Willams.

 

Wednesday's good first half was unfortunately undone in a nightmare spell ten minutes before the break. Firstly, Steve Watson put the home side ahead as his powerful shot from the area deflected off Philippe Albert and flew past Pressman (Watson was credited with the goal). Then, just two minutes later, Pressman unwisely chased a ball wide of the area, his sliding challenge wasn't too effective, allowing Scott Sellars to float over a long cross that Cole volleyed in to the unguarded net as the Wednesday defenders collectively watched it sail over them.

 

It was harsh on the Owls for their first half display but a lesson in how a bit of good fortune can be ruthlessly taken advantage of by a good team. However, Wednesday kept at it and, rather than letting the game run away from them, went for it in the second half.

 

Ten minutes into the half, Graham Hyde got a cross in that was headed towards goal by Mark Bright. Pavel Srnicek (RIP) in the Newcastle goal could only parry it - when he probably should have done better - and Taylor reacted quickly to poke it into the net. From there on in it was the away side who looked more likely to score and made several chances. The best arrived at the feet of substitute Dan Petrescu but, when put through on goal by John Sheridan, he decided to try a chip which floated harmlessly into the arms of Srnicek.

 

After the game, the Newcastle manager and players were complimentary about Wednesday's efforts (easy to be generous when you've won of course). So although the winning run was over perhaps it was one of those games to still try and take the positives from. 

 

Final score : Newcastle 2-1 Wednesday

 

Newcastle : Srnicek, Hottiger, Beresford, Peacock, Albert, Fox, Watson, Beardsley, Sellars, Kitson (Clark 22), Cole. Unused subs : Mathie, Hooper

 

Wednesday : Pressman, Atherton (Petrescu 65), Nolan, Pearce, Walker, Taylor, Hyde, Sheridan, Sinton, Hirst (Bart-Williams 29), Bright. Unused sub : Key

 

Attendance : 34,408

I dont remember the unused sub for us

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Wednesday 26 October 1994

Coca-Cola Cup 3rd Round

Southampton (home)

 

After coming through a tricky second round tie over two legs against Bradford, the Owls were rewarded with a somewhat less than glamorous home tie against Southampton. To be honest, this is one of those games that I think everyone has completely forgotten about, but I'll try to keep you vaguely interested.....

 

Wednesday were forced to make one change from the decent performance, albeit in defeat, at Newcastle, with Chris Bart-Williams replacing the injured David Hirst up front. There was a bit of a surprise on the bench, with youngster Matthew Hardwick appearing in the squad for the first time, although he wasn't to get on the pitch. The Saints had some familiar names in their lineup, not least goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar, sporting a colourful mask in order to disguise himself from the authorities (actually he might have had a facial injury, who knows). 

 

The first half was apparently completely devoid of any event so we can just talk about the second half. Just five minutes in Wednesday took the lead. John Sheridan, as always, played a lovely pass to set Andy Sinton through, but he was a little slow and allowed Francis Benali to get in a tackle. Thankfully the ball broke kindly for Bart-Williams, who made no mistake in sweeping the ball into the Kop net.

 

Much of the rest of the game was spent seeing the Owls create and waste several good opportunities. The closest to a goal was a magnificent solo effort from Andy Pearce (yes, you did read that right) who waltzed past two defenders before hitting a low shot that beat Grobbelaar but came back off the post. Bart-Williams, SInton and Mark Bright all missed good chances to seal the game but finished poorly. Thankfully at the other end Southampton were just as bad when they did manage to create a couple of chances, both of which were spurned by Matt Le Tissier.

 

Wednesday were by far the better side and should have won by more but did enough to get through, and as the programme neatly put it 'the Saints go marching out'.

 

Final score : Wednesday 1-0 Southampton

 

Wednesday : Pressman, Atherton, Nolan, Pearce, Walker, Taylor, Hyde, Sheridan, Sinton, Bart-Williams, Bright. Unused subs : Petrescu, Hardwick, Key

 

Southampton : Grobbelaar, Kenna, Benali (Charlton 76), Hall, Monkou, Magilton, Maddison, Allen, Le Tissier, Ekelund (Heaney 76), Dowie. Unused sub : Beasant

 

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Saturday 29 October 1994

FA Carling Premiership

Chelsea (home)

 

After some improved showings in recent games, which had not necessarily turned themselves into many goals, the Owls welcomed Chelsea to Hillsborough. It was actually the Blues' third visit in 1994, having won 3-1 to dump Wednesday out of the FA Cup but then lost by the same score in the Premiership. The visitors were missing quite a few players through injury , but had started the season reasonably well and were sitting in seventh place.

 

Wednesday were without David Hirst after he had left the field at Newcastle with a knee injury, and unfortunately it had turned out that he needed surgery so would probably be out for a while. Chris Bart-Williams therefore continued up front, meaning the Owls were unchanged from the team that had beaten Southampton in the League Cup in the week.

 

Chelsea were sporting a notoriously crap away kit that is quite hard to describe. The main colour of the shirt was grey with a sort of pebble dash effect, then light grey and dark grey stripes above the Coors logo, and bright orange bands over each shoulder, then bright orange shorts and socks. Even in the '90s when away kits in particular were often a bit weird, it was especially strange but I believe has become sought after in a retro kind of way in more recent years.

 

Anyway, back to the game and it was a familiar tale in many ways. The first half was relatively quiet, but with Wednesday generally being on top. However, 5 minutes before the break the visitors took the lead against the run of play. David Hopkin got to the byeline down the right and hit a cross towards the penalty spot. It was behind Dennis Wise but the diminutive winger executed a perfect overhead kick to send the ball past a helpless Kevin Pressman and into the Kop net.

 

It was a shock but Wednesday had the perfect chance to equalise 4 minutes into the second half. Ian Taylor got the ball in the box and was needlessly shoved two-handed by Eddie Newton. Although Taylor stayed on his feet, it was a clear penalty and Mike Reed pointed to the spot. John Sheridan stepped up and put his spot kick low to Dimitri Kharine's left but unfortunately the Chelsea keeper guessed the right way and palmed it away. In his defence, Shez had picked up a knock in the first half that was eventually to force him off.

 

The Owls kept pressing and made several chances, just as they had done in previous games. Shortly after the missed penalty Ian Nolan got the ball to Andy Sinton, whose shot from a tight angle smashed against the post. But, midway through the half, a goal did arrive and Sinton - having one of his better games in an Owls shirt - was the architect as he beat Gareth Hall all ends up down the left and hung up a beautiful cross that was clinically headed home by Mark Bright. 

 

After that,  there looked to be only one winner. The best chance to win it saw Taylor play substitute Gordon Watson through on goal but Flash - maybe expecting an offside flag - slightly delayed and allowed Kharine to rush out and block. Despite incessant pressure, Wednesday just couldn't get that vital goal and the points were shared. There was no doubt that performances had improved in recent weeks but the inability to take chances was really undermining the chances of the Owls climbing the table, sitting in an underwhelming 15th place.

 

Final score : Wednesday 1-1 Chelsea

 

Wednesday : Pressman, Atherton, Nolan, Pearce, Walker, Taylor, Hyde, Sheridan (Watson 60), Sinton, Bart-Williams (Petrescu 80), Bright. Unused sub : Key

 

Chelsea : Kharine, Hall, Barness, Kjeldbjerg, Johnsen, Rocastle (Myers), Newton, Spackman, Wise, Hopkin, Shipperley. . Unused subs : Lee, Hitchcock

 

Attendance : 25,450


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Wednesday 2 November 1994
FA Carling Premiership 
Blackburn Rovers (home)
 
With just a single home Premiership win so far in the season, Wednesday faced visitors from across the Pennines in a midweek game. This was, of course, a Blackburn team that were one of the top sides in the country, boasting players such as Tim Sherwood, Kevin Gallacher and David Batty (a poor man's Carlton Palmer I always thought). But it was their strike force that struck the most fear, with this being the era of the famous SAS pairing of Chris Sutton (a recent big money signing from Norwich) and Alan Shearer. 
 
Whilst those two were going to take some stopping, the Owls at least had the ability to call upon a defence that seemed to have got over its early season wobbles, with just 5 goals conceded in the previous 6 games. Unfortunately only 7 goals had been scored in those games, despite numerous chances being created, and there was no doubt Wednesday needed to become a lot more clinical in front of goal if they were to climb the table (they started this game in 15th place). Nevertheless, the front pairing of Chris Bart-Williams and Mark Bright continued as the team remained unchanged for the third game running.
 
Unfortunately the game was to play out in the all-too familiar tale of failing to convert relative dominance into goals. Wednesday had the better of the first half and created a couple of good chances. Firstly Andy Sinton hit a dipping shot that was well saved by Tim Flowers, then the Blackburn stopper made a smart double save from John Sheridan and Ian Taylor. 
 
The visitors started the second half well, and Kevin Pressman had already made a couple of brilliant saves - one from a Shearer free-kick and the other from a Paul Warhurst effort - before they took the lead in the 53rd minute. Rovers broke quickly after a Wednesday attack petered out, with the ball worked to Jason Wilcox on the left. He had time to pick out Shearer who hit a smart swerving volley just inside the post. 
 
Rather than letting this deflate them, the Owls went for it with renewed purpose and laid siege to the Blackburn goal for pretty much the rest of the game. Bart-Williams came the closest as he produced a brilliant turn after receiving a Peter Atherton cross, then crashed a shot against the bar. In the closing stages there was a moment of controversy as Sheridan hit a powerful drive towards goal after a corner was half-cleared, and the ball flew into the Kop net via a deflection. Sadly the flag had already been raised - to the understanding of precisely nobody - and the goal was ruled out.
 
There were also two decent penalty claims as Graeme Le Saux got away with a handball shout, and later substitute Gordon Watson was brough down by Sherwood. Neither was given (of course) but these two shouts, as well as the disallowed goal, all going against the Owls left Wednesdayites feeling more than a bit miffed and suspecting that Jack Walker's millions may not just be being spent on players....
 
It was another frustrating evening where chances had not been converted into goals, and there was a definite feeling that Wednesday needed a bit more going forward. 
 
Final score : Wednesday 0-1 Blackburn
 
Wednesday : Pressman, Atherton (Petrescu 71), Nolan, Pearce, Walker, Taylor, Hyde, Sheridan, Sinton, Bart-Williams (Watson 85), Bright. Unused sub : Key
 
Blackburn : Flowers, Berg, Le Saux, Hendry, Gale, Ripley, Sherwood, Warhurst, Wilcox, Sutton, Shearer. Unused subs : Newell, Atkins, Mimms
 
Attendance : 24,207



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Sunday 6 November 1994

FA Carling Premiership

Arsenal (away)

 

After the midweek defeat to Blackburn knocked them down to 17th place, Wednesday seemed to be stuck in a groundhog day of playing reasonably well but not taking chances, and maybe missing out on a bit of luck - including with refereeing decisions - along the way. In fact, writing these reports at this particular stage of SWFC history is getting increasingly tough to make interesting, as it just seems to be one of those periods when nothing much was happening, it was a all a bit 'meh'.

 

So, what could possibly be better for getting back on track with a win than a trip to Highbury? Er, well, pretty much anything actually. The Owls had not won there since 1962 (and never would again) and were, of course, a recent victim of the Gunners more times than was healthy. There was one major cause for optimism though as Wednesday arch-nemesis Ian Wright was missing. The game took place on a Sunday for reasons that I haven't been able to easily discern, so if anyone knows why please feel free to comment (assuming you haven't all lost interest in this rather dull season). 

 

So what happened in this one then? Well, it's rinse and repeat I'm afraid. Half decent display? Check. Couldn't convert chances? Check. No luck with the referee? Check. Oh, and chuck in a couple of injuries in as well.

 

The first of the injuries saw Andy Sinton limp off after just 14 minutes, no doubt to the delight of a certain trainee accountant. Later in the game though, rather more concerningly, Des Walker was forced off as well. Chris Bart-Williams moved to the left and played well, with Gordon Watson coming on up front. Bartman had the best effort of the first half but David Seaman was equal to his 25-yard effort.

 

The main talking point from the first half was a debatable challenge from Stefan Schwarz on John Sheridan inside the area that, of course, was not deemed a foul. Sheridan had been subject to the usual George Graham treatment that we were all familiar with from the 1993 finals, with the main aim to kick him out of the game rather than trying to actually play football.

 

If that moment was controversial, there was an even bigger shout later in the game when Mark Bright headed down a cross to Watson in the area. As Flash went to apply the finishing touch he was taken out from behind by Steve Bould (I know, who would have thought) but again no penalty was given, Sigh.

 

Arsenal had a couple of chances from set pieces, with Kevin Campbell going closest with a header from a corner but, in truth, without Wright the home side never looked too much of a threat.

 

Given the Owls' recent record at Highbury a point was probably a decent result but, once again, there was more than an element of frustration as the rather deflating season sauntered on.

 

Final score : Arsenal 0-0 Wednesday

 

Arsenal : Seaman, Keown, Winterburn, Adams, Bould, Parlour, Selley, Schwarz, McGoldrick, Dickov, Smith (Campbell 16). Unused subs : Morrow, Bartram

 

Wednesday : Pressman, Atherton, Nolan, Pearce, Walker (Petrescu 80), Taylor, Hyde, Sheridan, Sinton (Watson 14), Bart-Williams, Bright. Unused sub : Key

 

Attendance : 33,705

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9 hours ago, Chelters said:

Sunday 6 November 1994

FA Carling Premiership

Arsenal (away)

 

After the midweek defeat to Blackburn knocked them down to 17th place, Wednesday seemed to be stuck in a groundhog day of playing reasonably well but not taking chances, and maybe missing out on a bit of luck - including with refereeing decisions - along the way. In fact, writing these reports at this particular stage of SWFC history is getting increasingly tough to make interesting, as it just seems to be one of those periods when nothing much was happening, it was a all a bit 'meh'.

 

So, what could possibly be better for getting back on track with a win than a trip to Highbury? Er, well, pretty much anything actually. The Owls had not won there since 1962 (and never would again) and were, of course, a recent victim of the Gunners more times than was healthy. There was one major cause for optimism though as Wednesday arch-nemesis Ian Wright was missing. The game took place on a Sunday for reasons that I haven't been able to easily discern, so if anyone knows why please feel free to comment (assuming you haven't all lost interest in this rather dull season). 

 

So what happened in this one then? Well, it's rinse and repeat I'm afraid. Half decent display? Check. Couldn't convert chances? Check. No luck with the referee? Check. Oh, and chuck in a couple of injuries in as well.

 

The first of the injuries saw Andy Sinton limp off after just 14 minutes, no doubt to the delight of a certain trainee accountant. Later in the game though, rather more concerningly, Des Walker was forced off as well. Chris Bart-Williams moved to the left and played well, with Gordon Watson coming on up front. Bartman had the best effort of the first half but David Seaman was equal to his 25-yard effort.

 

The main talking point from the first half was a debatable challenge from Stefan Schwarz on John Sheridan inside the area that, of course, was not deemed a foul. Sheridan had been subject to the usual George Graham treatment that we were all familiar with from the 1993 finals, with the main aim to kick him out of the game rather than trying to actually play football.

 

If that moment was controversial, there was an even bigger shout later in the game when Mark Bright headed down a cross to Watson in the area. As Flash went to apply the finishing touch he was taken out from behind by Steve Bould (I know, who would have thought) but again no penalty was given, Sigh.

 

Arsenal had a couple of chances from set pieces, with Kevin Campbell going closest with a header from a corner but, in truth, without Wright the home side never looked too much of a threat.

 

Given the Owls' recent record at Highbury a point was probably a decent result but, once again, there was more than an element of frustration as the rather deflating season sauntered on.

 

Final score : Arsenal 0-0 Wednesday

 

Arsenal : Seaman, Keown, Winterburn, Adams, Bould, Parlour, Selley, Schwarz, McGoldrick, Dickov, Smith (Campbell 16). Unused subs : Morrow, Bartram

 

Wednesday : Pressman, Atherton, Nolan, Pearce, Walker (Petrescu 80), Taylor, Hyde, Sheridan, Sinton (Watson 14), Bart-Williams, Bright. Unused sub : Key

 

Attendance : 33,705

Correction 

I was a fully qualified accountant at that point

No correction needed that I hated Sinton

 

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1 hour ago, Andyben said:

Telling Jesus where he did the whole loaves & fishes miracle thing wrong as it doesn't make sense from an accounting  perspective.

If you have revenues for each of the 5000 but have costs of one loaf and a fish I suspect I would be duty bound the do an AML report these days 

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