Sheffield Wednesday 1 Brentford 3: Owls suffer again to leave Megson without home joy

And as the dejected home crowd trooped out at the final whistle, they could hear Four Non Blondes singing “What’s Going On?” over the tannoy. Talk about appropriate.

The Owls are still four points clear of the League One relegation zone despite a 3-1 defeat but it was a night to forget as mid-table Brentford strolled to a routine victory.

There are still eight games to go between now and the end of the season and a club which still clings to a Premier League past cannot yet rule out a League Two future. Only 14,797 attended – the club’s lowest league gate of the season – and that will be another major source of concern for chairman Milan Mandaric.

However, this was the first of three home games in eight days and many of the stay-away fans could have been saving money for the next two or watching the England friendly against Ghana at home on TV.

The Owls have now gone seven home games without a victory in the league and apathy is beginning to set in. Not since December 11, when they knocked six past Bristol Rovers have the Owls won on their own patch.

Megson, meanwhile, has enjoyed only two wins as manager – on the road against Carlisle United and Oldham Athletic.

Megson was charged with improper conduct by the Football Association yesterday after being ordered to the stands against Dagenham & Redbridge.

He had praised his side’s performance in that game but still opted to make four changes last night.

Defenders Lewis Buxton and Tommy Spurr returned at the back, Isaiah Osbourne in midfield, and Paul Heffernan in attack.

Captain Tommy Miller dropped to the bench along with Michael Morrison and Chris Sedgwick while Mark Reynolds was not even in the 18-man squad.

Megson’s changes brought a return to a 4-4-2 formation after criticism of his 4-5-1 selection in previous home games.

Former Scotland winger Gary Teale took over as captain – the third time the club’s armband had changed hands since Megson’s appointment 13 games ago.

Brentford started the night in the knowledge that any chances of qualifying for this season’s play-off are slim at best.

However, with a Wembley date against Carlisle United in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final this weekend, their players still had plenty to prove.

Defender Michael Spillane scored from a corner after just four minutes to stun the home crowd.

But the Owls were back on level terms inside eight minutes as defender Rob Jones headed in a corner at the opposite end.

The Bees struck again in the 18th minute – on-loan striker Jeffrey Schlupp grabbing his third goal in only two appearances with a close-range header.

And there was another setback for the Owls shortly after when defender Jones had to come off following a mid-air collision in his own penalty area.

Those supporters who did bother to show up had become increasingly agitated by the half-time whistle. The Owls had looked ragged too often and surrendered possession far too cheaply.

A positive start to the second half was needed but the Owls were kept waiting as Brentford dragged their heels in the dressing room.

Megson was unhappy but, in light of the FA charge, kept his protests to a minimum.

Desperate to spark improvement, the Owls manager introduced Jermaine Johnson and Clinton Morrison, with Darren Potter and Heffernan making way.

The Owls started to push the visitors back in the second half with substitute Johnson offering the usual mix of electric pace with candle-lit finishing.

Striker Gary Madine again flattered to deceive and still has a long way to go to become a success at Hillsborough. He may be as tall as a heavyweight but he is currently punching like a flyweight.

There were few worthy of praise in the Owls’ side although midfielder Joey O’Brien was running on what must be an empty tank given his lengthy absence from the game and defender Spurr showed plenty of commitment.

In truth, this is now a team put together purely for the short term and Owls supporters will just be hoping they can get to the end of the season with their League One status still intact.

Brentford wrapped things up eight minutes from time when substitute Sammy Saunders curled in a 25-yard free-kick to make it another night to forget for the home fans.

Sheffield Wednesday: O’Donnell; Buxton, Batth, R.Jones (Otsemebor 25), Spurr; Potter (J.Johnson 56), O’Brien, Osbourne, Teale; Madine, Heffernan (C.Morrison 56). Unused substitutes: Nicholls, M.Morrison, Miller, Sedgwick.

Brentford United: Carson; Spillane, Osborne Balkestein, Woodman; Byrne Bean, O’Connor (Tudur Jones 68), Wood (Saunders 63); Grabbarn, Schlupp (Bignall 45). Unused substitutes: Moore, Weston, Wright, Legge.

Referee: A Haines (Tyne & Wear)