Sheffield Wednesday 0 Blackpool 1

Last updated : 01 November 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Chris Turner's shot-shy forwards served up another duck leaving Sheffield Wednesday without a win in six games.

Alarm bells are ringing at Hillsborough with the chances of a quick return to the first division disappearing fast Wednesday almost snatched the lead after 10 minutes, winger Michael Reddy cutting inside from the right and firing across the box for Paul McLaren, whose fierce shot was blocked by Steve Davis.

Reddy then swept past Gareth Evans again and, when his cross was headed clear by Simon Grayson, McLaren was the first to react and his strike from the edge of the box flashed inches wide.

Wednesday should gone ahead in the 17th minute with Reddy involved again, unselfishly picking out Lloyd Owusu, but the former Brentford striker failed to connect from 12 yards.

Blackpool soaked up the pressure and had a half-chance on 32 minutes, midfielder Martin Bullock crossing to centre back Chris Clarke who scooped his shot over the Wednesday bar from 15 yards out.

Wednesday were in trouble three minutes before the interval when Scott Taylor was bundled over in the area by Robbie Mustoe and Dean Smith, but John Murphy produced a poor spot-kick as David Lucas made a comfortable save.

The hardworking Mustoe almost got the breakthrough in the 49th minute weaving his way into the area before slamming in a low shot, pushed round the post by Phil Barnes.

Seasiders substitute Mike Sheron, on for Murphy squandered an opening minutes later trying to pick his spot from 15 yards and Lucas was down quickly to smother the ball.

Wednesday centre back Graeme Lee, steaming into the area, connected with a Mustoe cross but powered his header over the top before Barnes' outstretched legs kept out a McLaren shot after neat work by Reddy.

Owusu was foiled by the Blackpool keeper in the 60th minute springing to his left to fingertip the Wednesday striker's stinging effort round the post.

The Owls were caught on the break in the 79th minute, Taylor rounding Lucas to slot the ball into an empty net with the Wednesday back four appealing for offside.