EFL Trophy: Sheffield Wednesday seek atonement as Barnsley FC aim to harness momentum
WITH a turnaround of less than 72 hours before returning to key League One business, Sheffield Wednesday and Barnsley would be forgiven for being a little distracted this evening.
Both complete their respective EFL Trophy northern group fixtures with home games.
The Owls' Group A encounter against Accrington Stanley has slightly more riding on it, from the perspective of the hosts.
It also happens to be Dave Challinor's first home match in official charge ahead of his league bow at S6 against Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.
The crowd will be considerably smaller at Hillsborough this evening, where Wednesday - who bowed out of the FA Cup at League Two outfit Oldham Athletic on Sunday - need a point to win the group. They have already qualified for the knock-out stages.
Barnsley are already eliminated in Group G, following embarrassing defeats to Leeds United under-21s and Fleetwood Town, where they have shipped a combined total of eight goals.
While the Reds face an important Roses trip to fellow League One strugglers Wigan Athletic this weekend, which comfortably represents the priority of the week, Daniel Stendel will be equally anxious to harness the momentum built in Saturday's FA Cup mauling of Aldershot at Oakwell.
The round-one tie may have only been played out in front of a modest crowd, but seeing home supporters further enthused by the efforts of a young Reds side—following a gutsy draw against Oxford United - was significant.
Head coach Stendel said: "If you can see when we fight, run and never give up, I feel the support and it gives me more energy and we get some things back. This is what you need every week."
"The focus on us to is to play our game, play well, play with intensity, play with desire and win the game."