Kirkland Inspires Young Owls to Victory

Danny Kirkland was the key man as Sheffield Wednesday overcame their counterparts from Huddersfield Town at Storthes Hall.

After a dreary first half, the Owls went a goal behind after Cecil Nyoni had allegedly stopped a Huddersfield centre with an arm. A penalty was awarded and the Terriers went 1-0 up.

Wednesday then rallied and Kirkland was at the heart of it. The Chesterfield-born winger was slid in down the left by sub Jack Poulton and his cross was met by sub and local boy Sammy Mir who volleyed the Owls level.

The Owls gained confidence from this and sensed all three points were up for grabs. James Cottingham swung in a right sided corner and after a header was diverted off the line, Kirkland was at the right place at the right time to smash home left-footed.

The win will boost the Owls' confidence and there were positive performances from Keeper Sean Cuff who looked assured and commanding. Defender Nicky Haywood also impressed in an unfamiliar centre-back role. Vadaine Oliver and Nathan Modest looked busy up front, but Kirkland will take the plaudits following an all-action display.

One absentee was starlet Liam Palmer, it remains to be seen whether he missed out through injury or because he might be involved in the first-team's game at West Brom this evening.

Wednesday: Cuff, Eckhardt (Mir), Nyoni, Haywood, Wilde, Meehan (Poulton), Cottingham, Hall, Kirkland, Modest, Oliver. Subs not used: Kendall, Magill.

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