U18 Professional Development League 2
Team: Fittall, Skeete, Gbemre-McLean, Sandiford, Cuthbert, Ikoroha, Brunson, Neziri, Oluwabusola, Boddy, Kennedy
Subs: Scarlett, Mitchell-Abadom, McAvoy, Edouard-Marisson
A breezy Heston with the sun poking through, the first goal attempt of the afternoon was provided by the visitors when Charlie Robinson’s shot on the volley ended up clearing the crossbar.
But it was the R’s who took the lead on seven minutes following a great run by Kalen Brunson when he lost his marker. Enis Neziri then finished from 18-yards.
However, the Owls equalised a minute or so later. After a cross from the bye-line, the ball was side-footed in from close range.
At the other end, Kalen Brunson’s free kick close to the corner flag ended up with Enis Neziri shooting just wide of the target.
A very vocal Mr Wells bellowed out the number of steps being undertaken by the keeper, although this wasn’t maintained throughout the match.
As a dazed Aodhan Sopala was receiving some attention on 20 minutes, the players took a drinks break.
As it started raining, Wednesday counter-attacked. Oghenemarho Akpobi set-up Charlie Robinson, but the Owls No. 9’s attempt lacked power, and Alfie Fittall made an easy save.
After around 35 minutes, Rico Kennedy received what looked like a very harsh booking!
On 39 minutes, Alfie Fittall made an outstanding point-blank reflex save.
A great through-ball was picked up by Kalen Brunson, but the move came to nothing. At half-time it remained 1-1.
As the rain stopped, James McAvoy and Leon Scarlett were introduced for the start of the second-half.
Six minutes in and Gabriel Oluwabusola screwed his shot just wide of the far-post.
Harry Chadbourne let fly on 58 minutes and despite Alfie Fittall making a superb diving save, the ball ended up going in the net.
The next change saw Kemuel Edouard-Marisson replacing Gabriel Oluwabusola.
It was 2-2 on 63 minutes courtesy of Gabriel Cuthbert’s looping header.
As Giovanni Ikoroha limped off the latest shower had stopped and the sun was out again.
Excellent defending from Harvey Boddy when the R’s No.10, whilst under pressure, turned away and successfully laid off the ball.
Whilst it’s good to see the game flow, Mr Wells was ignoring some blatant fouling going on!
Seven minutes into added time and a low drive into the corner gave the visitors a dramatic victory.
The referee blew the full-time whistle after the Wednesday players had finished celebrating.
Tom Charles’ side travelled to Hull the following Saturday.
Steve Russell