A Review from a Rival... Leeds share the spoils at Wednesday

After our eventful game at Hillsbrough, Louis Shackshaft talks all the points in his post match review.

Two remarkable finishes ensured the game ended honours even in this entertaining Yorkshire derby.

Prior to kick off I was aware that a Friday night derby being broadcast live had all the potential signs of a fascinating end to end fixture, and it didn’t disappoint.

Although I had predicted a 2-2 draw, early indications suggested that it was literally anybody’s game.

The game started brightly with both sides creating half chances in the first twenty minutes. Fletcher was throwing his body around and using all of his experience to become a effective danger man and Saiz was energetic as ever for the away side.

It was then on 27 minutes when Leeds began to show that extra quality in the final third consequently leading to Douglas’ header off the post, it was a huge let off for Wednesday and I’m still not quite sure how the game remained goalless at that stage as another opportunity in Wednesdays box went begging.

Although the Owls showed glimpses of an attacking threat, clear cut opportunities were few and far between, it was Leeds who had began to take the game by the scruff of the neck.

I suppose it was going to take a moment of brilliance for Wednesday to take the lead, and a moment of magic it was. Adam Reach’s sublime effort just before half time broke the deficit even though it was slightly against the run of play. Definitely a contender for goal of the season.

The second half was frustrating and disappointing as a Wednesdayite, simply because we conceded only nine minutes after the restart and Leeds United were in full command thereafter.

Klich’s goal in 54 minutes was also a strike worthy to win any match and he accordingly put in a performance for him to win the man of the match award. He stole the show.

If I’m honest, after the equaliser, Leeds could have had a handful of goals and at one stage nearing the final ten minutes the likes of Roberts and Alioski seemed to be queuing up to put the ball in the net.

On another day, or with a fully fit squad that included Hernandez, Roofe or Bamford, Leeds probably would have ran out rampant 3 or 4-1 winners.

I can’t deny that the Owls were lucky to come away with a point in the end after a dominant second half display by the visitors.

A point against the league leaders is decent one in my eyes, especially after the run of play in the final 45 minutes, how Wednesday didn’t concede another goal is beyond me. You only have to look at the stats to prove this point, Leeds having 64% possession and 24 shots to Wednesday’s 10.

Although both sides would’ve probably taken a point before kick off, this clash only confirmed that Wednesday do have lots of potential with areas that can be improved, particularly in defence. On the other hand, Leeds are probably the best footballing side to have visited Hillsborough this season, they ‘should’ maintain a run to push for automatic promotion if they can sustain their energy and pressing methods until May.

However, I do feel a little more experience in Leeds’ side also wouldn’t go a miss, and with that experience they would’ve probably shipped a couple more goals past the Owls on Friday.

I must say I was impressed with Jansson at the back, he was solid and restricted Wednesday to only a few opportunities during the ninety minutes. A special mention goes out to Matt Penney for the home side, he looked sharp and had a positive intent in what I believe is only his seventh outing for the Owls.

All in all, a great entertaining clash as expected, I will look forward to the next tie at Elland Road.

By Louis Shackshaft