GREASED PALM
Moore’s big praise for long-serving Liam
DARREN Moore hailed “wonderful servant” Liam Palmer after the full-back marked his 350th Sheffield Wednesday appearance with a goal.
Palmer was handed the captaincy and his 38th-minute strike, two minutes after an opener by George Byers, condemned Bolton to their first defeat of the season.
“Liam has been a wonderful servant for the club and a Wednesday fan all his life,” said Moore.
“Myself and Baz (Barry Bannan) spoke and we thought it would be great for Liam to have the armband.
“So, we are pleased it was such a memorable 350th appearance for him. For the football club it has been a wonderful away day performance.
“Liam is Mr Reliable in whatever position we put him.
“He had a great season last season and he has started off in the same way.” Byers hit the headlines for the wrong reasons in midweek after his petulant reaction to being substituted in the first half of the defeat at Peterborough and subsequent spat with assistant manager Jamie Smith.
But, according to Moore, the pair kissed and made up and the Owls boss was rewarded when the midfielder netted the opening goal.
Byers also set up Josh Windass early in the second half only for the former Rangers forward to blaze over the crossbar from six yards.
“I had no hesitation putting George back in,” confirmed Moore.
“Even in the Peterborough game he played well, and was unfortunate to come off. So for him to put in that performance shows the togetherness in the football club.” Byers pounced after ragged Bolton defending moments earlier including a careless back pass by Ricardo Santos that Bannan seized upon.
“We were on top and in control,” insisted Wanderers manager Ian Evatt who saw Conor Bradley miss a sitter with the score at 0-0.
“We just had a brilliant chance and the first goal in these games is always vital. But mistakes happen – especially how we ask them to play – and they change the dynamic.
“It is how you react to those mistakes, and we didn’t react and get back quickly enough. The second goal came off the back of that mistake because it rocked us.
“Concede one, never two because then it is an uphill battle.
“But this is our first defeat in 14 games, and it feels strange. We are not used to losing games.”