Challinor rang the changes in his first game in charge as Owls boss, with Di’Shon Bernard returning after injury, and Ricardo Santos starting alongside him. Jordi Liongola was able to make his first outing since coming back from his lay-off, while Mason Burstow missed out - it’s believed with an injury niggle. Jamal Lowe started up top.
It wasn’t a pretty encounter, and the home side were the better of the two in the opening exchanges. Wednesday weren’t really able to get going, and they weren’t helped by the fact that Ashley Maynard-Brewer was forced off after a collision with Mike Fondop. Connal Trueman came on to replace him.
As we’ve seen so often, the Owls weren’t short on possession, but were short on chances. They barely created anything in the opening stanza, and when the half time whistle came it was the hosts who were well up on the shot count - Wednesday had only had the one.
The second half had more to it, but Wednesday still weren’t really at the races. The breakthrough came just after the hour mark, with Calum Kavanagh finding himself with the freedom of the away box before firing past Trueman from close range. 1-0 to the home side.
Five minutes later the new Owls boss delved into his bench, bringing Max Lowe, Sean Fusire and Kieran Morrison into the mix, with the trio taking over from Liam Palmer, Liongola and Santos as he sought a response.
It worked, and Oldham didn’t lead for long. On the 76th minute the first goal of the Challinor era was scored. Davis Keillor-Dunn was the one who scored it, finding the net against his former side after being found by Sean Fusire. It was a nice turn and finish from the Owls loanee to level things up.
The goal changed momentum, and Wednesday really seemed to be turning the screw. They dominated possession, and things were starting to get a bit heated. Oldham’s Micky Mellon was sent to the stands after some argy-bargy with Callum Slatery, while the Owls midfielder joined Bernard and Valery in the book.
There was to be no winner, not in normal time anyway. Extra time began, The goal changed momentum, and Wednesday really seemed to be turning the screw. They dominated possession, and things were starting to get a bit heated. Oldham’s Micky Mellon was sent to the stands after some argy bargy with Callum Slatery, while the Owls midfielder joined Bernard and Valery in the book. Fusire followed them not long after.
There was to be no winner, not in normal time anyway. Extra time began, and it looked like there was only going to be one winner. It was all Wednesday, and the hosts looked to be out of gas.
Half time came and went, and Challinor looked to some youthful exuberance. Will Grainger and Ernie Weaver were introduced, with Jamal Lowe and Valery making way…
Then came the winner, largely against the run of play, and it was one that the Wednesday defence won’t want to look back on. It was a messy scramble in the box, the Owls couldn’t clear it, and when Trueman couldn’t connect with his punch the ball found Will Sutton’s head for him to knock it into the back of the net.
Wednesday lost their footing after that, and never really threatened again. Oldham were good value for their victory in the end, and Challinor will be fully aware of the work that needs to be done going forward. 2-1 it ended - one to forget.
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It wasn't unfortunate. It was shite, slow, turgid tripe.