Sheffield Wednesday suffered a first defeat in 5 games on New Years Day as Burnley ran out comfortable 2-0 winners at S6.
Second half goals from Keith Treacy and Ross Wallace sealed the points for the Lancashire club as the Owls slumped back into the bottom 3 in the Championship.
Wednesday may have hoped that the absence of Burnley’s top scorer Charlie Austin would have given them the advantage but the Owls front line offered hardly anything of note themselves as Michail Antonio and Mamady Sidibe, who was replaced by Chris O’Grady in the 2nd half, barely mustered a shot on goal between them.
Dave Jones’ side looked off the pace throughout the game and failed to create many clear cut opportunities. On loan Man City player Jeremy Helan again looked lively but he had very little support to capitalise on his endeavour and the result looked on the cards before Treacy’s low drive from outside the penalty area gave the visitors the lead just after the hour mark. 10 minutes later his cross was blocked by the arm of Lewis Buxton and Wallace fired home the spot kick. The Clarets had gone closest in the first half when Trippier hit the bar from distance and Treacy also hit the woodwork in the closing stages of what was a very lacklustre performance by the home side.
Wednesday face MK Dons on Saturday in the F.A. Cup and are likely to make a few changes to the starting line up for that game.
More changes may be needed in terms of bringing players in during the January transfer window if the Owls are to stave off relegation back to League One.