Report

The Owls suffered a 2-0 defeat in what was a fairly tight encounter against near neighbours Harwell International. There wasn't much to choose between the teams throughout the ninety minutes but the visitors took their 2 chances well to score. The Oowls failed to convert any of the several chances they had , Eammon McGowran came the closest in the 1st half clipping the base of the left hand upright in the 10th minute. Shortly after the visitors took the lead when a inch perfect pass presented a good opportunity and the finish was clinical. Sam Powell headed narrowly wide as The Owls searched for an equaliser. Manager John Hurley was forced to make a change at half time due to a recurrence of a groin injury to Adam Wise. Nathan White came on to replace him in an already depleted midfield continuing to miss the influence of Captain Sam Baring. With both 1st choice strikers unavailable, Lewis Monaghan continued up front. 15 minutes after the restart Harwell Int increased their lead with a deft lob over keeper Francis's head. To The Owls credit they kept plugging away. Lewis had a rasping free kick saved by the International keeper but the rebound was hacked away by the visitors defence who reacted quickly. Thw Owls were then denied what appeared a clear penalty when Craig Tizzard was upended by a strong challenge which produced a caution for the defender but referee Alex Fisher deemed it to be outside the area.  The Owls pushed men forward to no avail for the last quarter but the visitors defended resolutely and were pleased to say the least at the end to have achieved a victory.