Injury hit Owls hold out for point at Loftus Road

QPR 0-0 Owls
By Nicholas Rigg
September 18 2005

Wednesday went in to the game at Loftus Road looking for their first win of the new campaign, and made changes with Burton O'Brien in place of Chris Brunt, and Ritchie Partridge in place of Chris Eagles. Drissa Diallo also continued to partner Graham Coughlan in the centre of defence.

The game began at a frantic pace, with the hosts looking to bounce back from their humiliation at Northampton in midweek. Wednesday failed to break up the play and take the game to their opponants, as constant pressure created numerous half chances around the box for Rangers. Drissa Diallo looked to be coping well with the arial threat from Paul Furlong, but QPR were running the midfield through Tommy Doherty.

The Wednesday defence managed to stop the hosts from creating any clear cut chances in the first half, but at the other end of the pitch the only shot on goal came from a Ritchie Partridge shot which was straight at the keeper.

Early on Glenn Whelen limped off to what seemed like a nothing challenge, and was replaced by Chris Brunt who occupied the left flank, moving O'Brien in to his preferred central role. Lee Peacock also seemed to be involved in a nothing challenge, and was replaced by Adam Proudlock towards the end of the half.

Proudlock livened up a dull Wednesday attack for the final moments of the half, and was involved in a scuffle with the Rangers defence from a long throw in. It was the first time the hosts defence had really been troubled, with new boy David Graham failing to make an impact.

The second half began with even more injury woe for Wednesday, with Drissa Diallo being carried off on a stretcher following a freak injury. Richard Wood came on to replace him, and carried on strengthening the Wednesday defence alongside Graham Coughlan.

The home support were beginning to get frustrated by their teams poor passing ability, and lack of confidence in front of goal. The only real chance came through a sweet strike from Tommy Doherty, who shot straight in to Lucas' arms.

At the other end, Wednesday seemed to be growing in confidence and were creating some chances of their own. Chris Brunt fired a low cross accross the six-yard box, but David Graham was unable to steer the ball in to the goal. Burton O'Brien also had a good chance which brought a good save at the near post.

A late QPR onslaught never came about, and the owls were relatively happy to claim a point in the capital.

My Man Of The Match: John Hills (Until his sending off!)