Owls 2-2 Hartlepool United

"Today we welcomed visitors Hartlepool as we looked to pick up form after last weeks narrow loss to league leaders Charlton Athletic. With Ben Marshall back at Stoke, the question was who was going to replace him on the left wing. 

The half started with Wednesday on the front foot and went close early on when a well worked free-kick was flashed just wide of the mark by O'Grady.  Wednesday carried on pressing with Madine firing straight at the keeper from 5 yards out.

The Owls looked very poor and looked vulnerable when on the back foot. Then Gary Madine who was the last man was brought down and the Hartlepool defender somehow escaped with only a caution. Yet again another poor, unknown referee trying to make a name for himself. I've seen better referees in Sunday league football.

The half ended 0-0 and probably the poorest half of football I've seen all year. A poor game with stupid decisions, I wouldn't be suprised if the referee wins this one.

The second half started in the worst way possible when Peter Hartley converted his header from an early Hartlepool corner and an upset was on the cards. Hartlepool had a few chances to double their lead with Wednesday looking poor and Weaver looking vulnerable.

Jermaine Johnson then reminded fans exactly what he's capable of when he picked up the ball from his own half, skipped past four players and blasted the ball in the bottom corner, a fantastic individual run. Hillsborough was rocking and Wednesday were looking comfortable.

The referee carried on with his poor performance and made some bizzare decisions throughout. Gary Madine then put Wednesday in front after bringing down a poor clearance from the Hartlepool defence and finishing well.

Wednesday looked comfortable until Sweeney caught Weaver by suprise with a lob from a mile out and brought the visitors level. Weaver looked clueless, out of position and had a terrible match.  Ryan Lowe nearly knicked it for the Owls 2 minutes from the end but flashed the ball wide after he should of converted.

So a poor performance from Sheffield Wednesday results in dropping another two points at home and deserved nothing more.

In my opinion we will do well to pick up now and can seriously see us slipping down the table. JJ and Bywater must start against Scunthorpe.

Shez.