The always eagerly anticipated F.A. Cup third round draw was made this afternoon and for Sheffield Wednesday it proved to be a bit of a damp squib.
Many fans would have hoped for an attractive money spinning tie against one of the big names from the Premier League or perhaps a chance to visit a non-league or lower league ground but the Owls will face familiar opposition as they were drawn against a fellow Championship side.
The fact that it will be Crystal Palace that travel to Hillsborough does at least add some spice to the tie as it brings ex-Sheffield United manager and Blades fan Neil Warnock back to the city as he pits his side against the Owls. Given the Owls poor away record the home draw is certainly an advantage and the draw does at least provide a realistic chance of progressing into the fourth round.
As far as the other teams in the South Yorkshire region are concerned, Sheffield United face QPR, Doncaster travel to Brentford, Barnsley have a short trip to Scunthorpe and Rotherham will go to Southampton if they can overcome Luton Town.
The ties are due to be played over the weekend commencing 2nd January 2010 and with both Sheffield teams facing London opposition at home it is highly unlikely that both will play on the Saturday.