Frickley Athletic 1-4 Sheffield Wednesday (U21s)

Frickley Athletic 1-4 Sheffield Wednesday (U21s)

Pre-Season Friendly

Friday 11th July 2025

And it’s back!

It doesn’t seem five minutes since last season finished (that’s the result of watching 100+ games most seasons) but Sheffield Wednesday’s U21s kicked off their pre-season campaign with this comfortable 4-1 victory over Frickley Athletic at Westfield Lane.

Dressed in that bright orange away shirt which makes them look like the Netherlands, things were pretty straightforward for the Owls - there were a couple of points in the game where the scoreline could have edged differently either way but, as you’d expect for full-time players up against a Step 5 non-league team, Wednesday were the better side on the night and deserved the win on the balance of play.

Amidst the latest heatwave, it wasn’t just the temperature that posed problems for the lads as Frickley’s dry, uneven and bobbly pitch was clearly challenging to play on and quite different from the more pristine pitches the Owls are used to playing on.

It took them a little while to find a foothold, work things out and get accustomed to their surroundings (a couple of early passes going astray and bobbles being noticeable), but on 17 minutes the Owls put together a sharp, incisive, slick and piercing move that led to an opener - working the ball to feet down the left-hand side, showing their athleticism and speed of thought, Junior Kamwa involved somewhere in the build-up, before an inviting ball was put across the six-yard box where Devlan Moses was charging through unopposed to smash the ball emphatically into the back of the net.

Wednesday then made it 2-0 after the first half drinks break with Devlan Moses again the scorer - playing on the shoulder of the defender, being put through and this time steering a hard low shot past Frickley’s trialist ‘keeper Luke Chadwick.

The Owls soon had the ball in the net again but this time it was chalked off after the referee blew too early to award a free-kick on the edge of the box - only for an opportunity to open up where someone (didn’t see who) slotted home. The referee immediately knew his mistake, was apologetic to the players, but nevertheless the resulting free-kick came to nothing.

Frickley had a couple of sniffs before half-time; Jack Phillips was almost dispossessed but recovered the situation quickly, the hosts forced a corner, and Ernie Weaver showed some good bits of aggressive defending under pressure, but any hopes that the team in blue and white might have harboured about a comeback were dashed about five minutes after half-time when the big, powerful unit that is George Brown showed some tidy footwork on the edge of the box to receive a pass, fend off his man, bring the ball onto his left-foot, turn and open up the angle for a shot which he subsequently rifled hard into the bottom corner to make it 3-0 - and for individual goals, that one was probably the best of the night!

A series of substitutions meant the Owls ended up fielding a much younger side for the final 30 minutes and Frickley pulled back what looked as if it would be a consolation goal with a headed finish from a corner, just prior to the second half drinks break.

The Blues’ initial consolation could have become more as not long afterwards they should have been awarded a penalty when their lively No.18 (I think) was sent sprawling inside the box by the Owls substitute keeper after a defence mishap but despite it looking inevitable that the referee would point to the spot, perplexingly he was unmoved and waved play on. Needless to say there were a few frustrations!

The scoring was eventually rounded off at the other end by George Brown who grabbed his second of the night with another powerful drive inside the final 10 minutes, to cap off a positive night.

Wednesday could have had other goals; Denny Oliver (who, expect Joe Emery got more minutes out of anyone from the starting XI) had a drive that he lashed narrowly over, there was a shot from distance in the second half after Luke Chadwick was dispossessed outside his box that only just cleared the target, but the result was immaterial… it was a good work-out, the Owls played well against a different type of opposition to what they’re used to, figured things out and got four goals to show for their efforts - and every one of them was well-taken.

On the night I was quite impressed with Devlan Moses who showed strength, a bit of power, looked quick and sharp in taking his first one (good movement and emphatic finish), stood his ground and had a bit of needle against his marker which led to a talking to by the referee at one point early in the second half and I’ve got no doubt that when he gets a loan then he’ll do well. It’s easy to see that coming a mile off and he’s got the physique to handle mens football as well.

Similarly, George Brown who bagged two, has that bit of power about him and demonstrated a few instances of good hold-up play, along with his two sweet finishes and he’s always a handful. Another player I’ll back to the hilt because having seen him 10-12 times last season too, then I know exactly what he can bring to the table.

Plenty of other worthy mentions too… Jack Phillips with a clean-sheet (went off at 3-0), it wasn’t his busiest night but he showed some good handling at different points - especially the clean save (and no fumbling) from the shot in the second half. Always rated him since seeing him in a friendly against Doncaster on the 4G pitch in his U17s season.

Ernie Weaver was aggressive in what he had to do - strong in one-v-one situations, solid and got the right tools to be a good defender in the long run. Another who should thrive in a mens environment once he’s had that solid six months or so of playing U21s football which he’ll get over the coming months.

Kailen Hatfield looked very comfortable with his feet, suited Wednesday’s style of trying to play out and I liked the way in which he drove forward from the back 2-3 times (allowed to do it by the opposition but, similarly, still good at doing it). 

Joe Emery with a strong performance both at right-back and then right centre-back where he played in the second half. Aodhan Sopala looked tidy and orchestrated some good bits. Harry Evers comfortable and steady at left-back. 

Denny Oliver with some good contributions - bright positionally to always be available to receive the ball (something which stands out as he finds space and reads a game well - owing to his technical intelligence) and he got better as the game went on. A couple of loose passes in the first half where he needed to be more assured with the ball at his feet (it happens to everyone), but 2-3 really good contributions - including one in the first half where he pulled a man out of the box and spotted a potential two-v-one opportunity at a corner, plus one just after half-time where he kept possession in a tight pocket of space owing to good body movement. Still lots of room for development but it’s going to be a pleasure watching him develop this year as I can see the long-term potential with what he’s got, his size, and how he plays.

And elsewhere, Junior Kamwa with some flashes of pace and creativity at different points in the first half. Plus, Danny Da Costa who didn’t have his busiest night but I look forward to seeing him more as the season progresses.