By Nicholas Rigg
November 9 2005

Wednesday were knocked back down to earth after recent good form by suffering a 3-1 home defeat to Cardiff City. The Bluebirds raced in to a 3-0 half-time lead with goals from Jason Koumas, and two for Cameron Jerome as the game looked all but over. Chris Eagles scored Wednesdays consolation.

Wednesday 1-3 Cardiff

Date:  Wednesday 9th November

Venue: Hillsborough, Sheffield

Wednesday were brought back down to earth after an inspiring run in recent weeks by suffering one of their worst defeats under Paul Sturrock, albeit to an impressive Cardiff City side.

Jason Koumas opened the scoring for the visitors before highly rated Cameron Jermone scored another two to make the game all but over at half time. Chris Eagles scored a consolation goal for the Owls in the second half.

Paul Sturrock was forced to change the side following striker Lee Peacocks illness just before kick-off. Sturrock admitted he didn't want to play two youngsters upfront, and wanted to get Barry Corr in the action as a target man - so the on-loan Gaby Agbonlahor was made to sit on the bench. David Graham partnered Corr up front for his first competative start in the league. The pair had previously started against West Ham in the Carling Cup. Paul Heckingbottom also came in for the injured John Hills.

Dave Jones stuck with his Cardiff side that had a goaless draw with Coventry at the weekend.

Paul Sturrock had emphasises the fact that Wednesday need to make brighter starts instead of coming in to life for just the second half, but the game was anything but bright in the opening period.

It was the on-loan Koumas who put the Bluebirds in front on 9 minutes. Rhys Weston provided the cross for Koumas to glance his header at the far post of Nicky Weavers goal and put the visitors in front.

Cardiff could have easily have gone further in front five minutes later as the in-form Cameron Jerome found himself one-on-one with the keeper, only for his powerful shot to cannon out off the bar to the relief of Weaver in the Wednesday goal.

Wednesday did put the ball in to the back of the net, but David Grahams close-range effort was ruled to have been offside.

But Cardiff were dominating the game, and should have made it two minutes later. Jerome, who had previously had a trial with Wednesday, produced a fine diving header at the far post which hit the bar. Jason Koumas' effort was then blocked by Richard Wood.

The chances were flowing and Cardiff were destined to score sooner or later. Another blow to Wednesday came as early as the half hour mark, when Jerome was to make the most of his next chance which came through a header at the far post.

The England Under-21 was to finish Wednesday off with his next chance, when he was again put through on goal and this time made no mistake - blasting his chance low past Weaver. Game, set, and match.

The second half was pretty much a non-event, although the Owls have showed their fighting spirit on a number of occasions this season, especially at the weekend against Derby County. This test was to prove much tougher though, against a Cardiff side high on confidence.

The Bluebirds seemed to have stepped down a gear following their demolition job in the first half. Wednesday were getting more of the ball and were creating much the better chances - albeit too little too late.

Lee Bullen was introduced in place of Barry Corr and seemed to make a difference. Chris Eagles saw a good effort pushed against the post by Alexander in the Cardiff goal, and Graeme Lee also saw a close-range header hit the bar.

Wednesday finally got the goal they deserved when Chris Eagles finished well from just inside the box to give the Owls a glimmer of hope going in to the final 20 minutes.

Richie Partridge and Gaby Agbonlahor were introduced late on, but it was too little too late.

Wednesday were well and truly beaten by a good Cardiff side who seemed destined for the play-offs should they keep their fine form up. Sturrock's side was missing some key players though, some of whom hope to be back for the trip to Watford a week on Saturday.

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My Man Of The Match:  Chris Brunt

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Wednesday:

Weaver, Heckingbottom, Lee, Wood, Simek, Whelan, O'Brien, Brunt, Eagles (Partridge 80), Corr (Bullen 61), Graham (Agbonlahor 80).
Subs Not Used: Adamson, Rocastle.

Cardiff City:

Alexander, Barker, Purse, Weston, Loovens, Whitley, Koumas, Ledley, Cooper (Parry 59), Lee (Ardley 88), Jerome.
Subs Not Used: Margetson, Cox, Ricketts.

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Paul Sturrock told the official SWFC site:

''I've again had a conversation at half time and then they go and decide to battle their corner. I do believe we need competition for places - it means that people who have that kind of first half performance won't play the next game.''

''They'll pay dear now. I can't go down the road again of asking these players to do something and they do the complete opposite. If the body count gets healthy over the next fortnight, heads will roll for it. I think Drissa will be available for the next game and Coughlan is getting healthier by the day.''

 

Paul Sturrock told BBC Sport:

To follow...

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Attendance:  20,324

Referee:   T Kettle (8/10)