Sheffield Wednesday (U21s) 2-1 Crewe Alexandra (U21s)

Sheffield Wednesday (U21s) 2-1 Crewe Alexandra (U21s)

Professional Development League

Tuesday 31st October 2023

Sheffield Wednesday’s U21s have been in pretty decent form so far this season and they came from behind in this game to get another three points and move back into second position in the U21s Professional Development League (North).

Despite the game being listed to be played at 'Belle Vue, Doncaster' on the Premier League website - something which would be very interesting considering it got blown up over 15 years ago not long after Donny moved to the Keepmoat, the reality was the game was played at 'Belle Vue, Wakefield' which is where the Owls will be playing most of their PDL games for the remainder of this season.

Even though the pitch is like a carpet, for spectators it’s not the best venue at present because the new stand that is being built isn’t going to be ready for a few more weeks and it’s currently classed as a building site (thus nobody can watch the game from there - unless you happen to be a workman on his lunch break). On top of that, no standing was allowed on the terrace opposite either so the only vantage point for those who turned up was behind the goal - and that didn’t allow for the best of views when a lot of the action seemed to be down at the other end of the pitch.

The Owls were missing their talisman, Bailey Cadamarteri, who I suspect he was training with the first team instead and on one of those stereotypical winter days where the skies were grey and it was damp, wet and quite miserable, it was Crewe who struck first as Matus Holicek hit a bullet strike from the edge of the area which flew past Wednesday ‘keeper Pierce Charles who couldn’t really do anything about it.

It wasn’t until the floodlights were switched on that the Owls themselves brightened up and started to improve the intensity. It got better in the last 15 minutes of the first half and they had a few chances before the break with Sam Reed having a free-kick blocked by the wall, Crewe ‘keeper Tom Booth claiming a dangerous low ball in from the right, and a couple of other bits and pieces. Nothing would quite drop for Wednesday inside the box in shooting areas which meant the visitors were still 1-0 up at the interval but it was getting better…

Both teams then had a chance after the re-start - including Crewe hitting the post with a volley from the edge of the box, but before the hour mark came Wednesday got themselves level as Tyreeq Bakinson got on the end of a cross from the left at the far-post and turned the ball home.

Although Crewe took full advantage of the rule to use three over-age players in their line-up to begin with, substitutions were made to afford opportunities to some of their U18s by the latter stages, and Wednesday always looked the more likely of the two teams to get a winner.

They had more possession in the second half, had hit the bar as well and missed a couple of big opportunities - including one I think by Luke Cook, before a winner finally came with about 10 minutes to go. Jay Buchan (decent when he came on) was involved in the build up and played a part in it but the scorer was again Tyreeq Bakinson as he got the ball about 20-25 yards out, looked up and hit a low and hard strike which seemed to go through the Crewe ‘keeper on its way on and there’s no doubt the Alex ‘keeper should have done better and will be disappointed with it.

There weren’t any further goals as Wednesday got the points and, overall, the scoreline was a fair reflection because the Owls were the better team once they upped the intensity after that poor first 30 minutes, albeit the game won’t live too long in the memory and it was just largely a typical ‘run of the mill’ game for this level with some good bits of play, but lots of areas for development league.

Individually, amongst some of those who featured, Jay Buchan looked good in his short time on the pitch which warrants a mention because he played a part in the winning goal, showed a desire to be active in the play, and probably deserves a start in an U21s game soon to give him the chance to put down a real marker after being in and out of the team quite a bit so far this season. Sam Reed (socks always rolled down in every game) was sharp on the left and played well - one of the best games I’ve seen him have and he’s only going to get better as time progresses; lots of energy and a good work-rate. Jay Glover also got better as the game went on; lots of pressing out-of-possession and he popped a few good passes to feet and also got forward quite a bit which was pleasing to see, and Tyreeq Bakinson will grab the headlines and be happy with his two goals. 

And although it wasn’t the busiest of days for him in terms of shot-stopping, Pierce Charles contribution wasn’t bad - twice in the second half he alleviated the pressure by coming off his line and plucking crosses straight out the air. It was good handling, his kicking was clean, his positioning alright and he oozed that bit of confidence in knowing his role, when and when not to do things, etc, and he did all the small but important bits that sometimes go unnoticed really well - and overall it makes me believe he’s a decent ‘keeper who’ll do alright once he gets into mens football.

Wednesday’s next home game in the PDL is on Tuesday 14th November when they play Fleetwood Town - even though it’s still listed on the Premier League website to be played at ‘Belle Vue, Doncaster’. Needless to say it’s actually here at Wakefield where hopefully the weather will be better and the side terrace can be opened to allow for a better view than being stuck behind the goal again.