By Nicholas Rigg
September 18 2005

Leicester City were the latest team to exploit a poor Wednesday side and take all three points from the Owls. Two goals in two minutes from Mark DeVries early in the game were enough for the foxes.

Wednesday’s poor start to the season continued on Saturday with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Leicester City.

Boss Paul Sturrock gave a debut to Maurice Ross at left back, and brought Richard Wood in to replace the injured Drissa Diallo. Chris Eagles regained his place on the right side of midfield following an injury to Richie Partridge, and Burton O’Brien played on the left side in place of Chris Brunt.

Within ten minutes the new-look Owls defence looked anything but solid, and some sloppy marking from new boy Maurice Ross led to Momo Sylla crossing low for an easy finish for Mark DeVries.

Wednesday were only just recovering from the goal when the hosts got their second just two minutes later. New signing Elvis Hammond sliced his long range effort straight in to the path of Dutchman DeVries who’s neat finish made it 2-0.

The foxes seemed content with their 2-0 lead and didn’t really trouble David Lucas’ goal for the rest of the half, despite some half chances from DeVries and Hammond, who looked too much for the Owls defence to handle.

Wednesday did spring in to life later in the half, with the best chance falling to Lee Peacock whose long range effort forced a good save from Rob Douglas.

Glenn Whelen also found some space to run at the Leicester defence and attempt a long range effort, only to see another good save from Douglas turn it round the post.

Sturrock was sure to have had harsh words to say at half time, and they seemed to work as David Graham found himself bearing down on goal just a couple of minutes into the second half. His tame shot beat Douglas, but hit the woodwork.

Leicester were in no rush to find a third goal, and they made the game in to a scrappy affair with no clear cut chances appearing at either end.

Sturrock was forced to change his hand on 68 minutes, and brought on Chris Brunt and Lee Bullen to replace Craig Rocastle and David Graham respectively. It was Bullen’s first outing for the Owls this term, and was forced to take up a striker’s role to offer something fresh in attack.

Whilst Wednesday were looking to break down the Leicester defence, it was the foxes who nearly finished the game off through new signing Iain Hume, whose run and low shot went just wide.

Barry Corr was given his Wednesday debut with ten minutes remaining, and nearly grabbed a goal for the Owls when he found himself unmarked in the Leicester box, only for his header to go straight at Douglas.

Wednesday are still looking for their first win of the campaign, and the performances certainly have to improve if that win is to come. With two home matches against Leeds and Millwall coming up, Sturrock will be looking for four points at least to give the Owls the confidence to kick start their season.