Sheffield Wednesday made a positive start to the 2015/16 season on a sunny Saturday at Hillsborough, beating BristolCity 2-0.
There was plenty of anticipation as to how new boss Carlos Carvalhal would shape his side for his first competitive game in charge, with the club having brought in a host of new players over the summer.
The spine of the team remained much the same as last season with the ever-reliable Westwood in goal, Lees partnering Loovens in central defence, McGugan in the creative midfield role following his permanent transfer and Nuhiu as the focal point up front. Jack Hunt made his debut at right-back, with Helan on the left. Spanish midfielder Alex Lopez started alongside Hutchinson and new boys Ross Wallace and Marco Matias played wide roles in support of Nuhiu.
Both sides looked comfortable in possession in the first half but the Owls will have been disappointed to go into the break at 0-0 with Matias and Lopez both going agonisingly close with good opportunities in front of the Kop.
The second half continued in much the same fashion but to Wednesday’s relief the found a deserved breakthrough on the hour. Positive play from the impressive Hunt forced a corner and Lopez’s pinpoint delivery was headed home powerfully by Lees for his first Owls goal.
Wednesday were in control but a 1-0 lead can often be vulnerable and on 70 minutes McGugan was forced to clear off the line as Burns met a City corner with a goal-bound header. That proved to be a pivotal moment as from the clearance Helan led a break down field, finding Wallace wide on the left and his cross evaded the reach of Robins keeper Fielding, finding McGugan at the back post and he coolly slotted home having ran the length of the field to effectively seal the game.
The margin of victory might could have been made even more impressive in the final moments when substitute Lucas Joao made a fine run down the right and picked out fellow sub Lee with a well weighted pass. Lee unselfishly played in Matias but the winger placed a tired shot wide with the goal at his mercy.
Bristol looked neat in possession but lacked a goal threat with Wednesday’s back four protecting Westwood well in open play.
Hunt, Wallace and Lopez looked particularly impressive on their debut’s and although perhaps not at his best, Matias looks likely to offer a regular goal threat
All in all a positive start for the Owls, who now face Mansfield at home in the League Cup on Tuesday before the long trip to Ipswich Town next weekend.