WEDNESDAY HAVE GOT QUALITY OPTIONS...

WHEN you’ve just smashed the best team in England 3-0, there’s only one way to go. The Owls were never going to match the intensity of that stunning victory over Arsenal and so it proved in a flat, lifeless first half that never pushed Forest’s weakened side out of second gear.

In years past, this would have been 0-0, or worse. But Wednesday finally have the quality to change a game – and change its pace – and they eventually ground Forest down. Outsiders they may be but, injury permitting, this neat, intelligent Wednesday side are play-off contenders.

Defeat was harsh on Forest, who defended with skill and bravery. But with so many injuries and no means of strengthening, the lack of real quality is glaring.

In a sense, it’s their comeuppance for years of reckless overspending. That isn’t Dougie Freedman’s fault – he’s just been left to clear up the mess. Sadly, he could be the one who ends up paying for it.