The Latics lost 2-0 to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday in a match where Gary Megson's men bullied their way to victory. The refereeing decisions were at times baffling and an unconvincing penalty gave the Owls an undeserved win. The Latics matched them in every department except the 'kung-fu' area and had enough chances to have won the game or at least earn a share of the spoils.
Paul Dickov was happy enough with the effort and passion showed by his team and he knew that luck was against his team on the day. He said, “There were lots of positives to take from the match. They are one of the favourites for promotion, but I thought we more than matched them and I am really disappointed not to have taken anything from game. Obviously I am disappointed with the result but, if we play like that in every game, we will be alright. We are in the process of becoming a very good team. The effort, application and some of the football we played was top class. Some of our passing moves, the way we moved the ball and stood up to everything they had was top class.”
A major turning point in the game was when Jean-Yves M'voto limped off with a hamstring injury as the Owls scored soon after in the 62nd minute. Tarkowski went to head the ball but the referee Kevin Friend allowed play on and the home side were punished. With just six minutes remaining the linesman flagged for a foul by Simpson which no-one else, including the Wednesday players, in the ground saw and Lowe scored from the spot. If Sheffield Wednesday continue to play in this unattractive and vicious manner I sincerely believe that they will eventually get their come-uppance and get penalised for the method their play deserves. In short I hope they do not get promoted as they are not deserving of it on this showing.