Sheffield Wednesday 1 Wycombe Wanderers 1

Last updated : 30 January 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Ian Simpemba was rushed to hospital after scoring Wycombe's surprise opening goal at Hillsborough.

The 20-year-old suffered a neck injury after giving the Second Division basement boys an early lead but it was cancelled out by Adam Proudlock's fourth goal in three games.

Simpemba pounced when Wednesday goalkeeper David Lucas failed to hold David Currie's simple second minute free-kick.

He collided with Wednesday winger Paul Smith who was trying to prevent his bundled effort from crossing the line. The midfielder was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Simpemba's effort looked to have given Wycombe their first away win of the season and only their third success under Tony Adams but Owls substitute Terry Cooke inspired the fightback on the hour when he crossed for Proudlock to control and hammer home his ninth goal since joining the club.

In-form Mark Robins almost had Wednesday level on nine minutes but he shot straight at Scott Bevan. Alan Quinn almost diverted an 18th minute Derek Geary effort as Wednesday opened the game up in search of an equaliser.

Robins, with seven goals in ten Wednesday appearances, then slammed a volley against the post on 26 minutes.

Jermaine McSporran came close to doubling Wycombe's advantage on 43 minutes when he ran across the edge of the box untouched, and unleashed a venomous drive which Lucas did well to tip around the post.

Proudlock's equaliser came just moments after the introduction of Cooke, who has made only one substitute appearance after a lengthy injury lay-off.

Cooke's cross found Proudlock who controlled the ball on his chest, turned Stuart Nethercott, and fired home from ten yards.

Proudlock then hit the side-netting as the Owls looked to take the lead. At the other end Lucas had to make two reflex saves from McSporran and Nathan Tyson as Wycombe threatened to snatch a shock win.