Sheffield Weds 1 Blackburn 2: Rhodes continues to inflict damage on Owls

In terms of this season, think of the club’s best start to a campaign since 1990-91 – ahead of an unceremonious fall.

Also think of a third straight win in the 2-0 victory at Nottingham Forest in early January, which put the Owls within four points of the play-off spots, but proved the precursor to a seven-match winless streak.

More pertinently in 2014-15, think of that off-the-field false dawn involving the name Hafiz Mammadov. Wednesdayites know the script.

Thankfully the arrival of a bonafide new owner in Dejphon Chansiri has put all that to bed, with the Thai unveiled on Monday amid great fanfare after buying the club for £37.5m.

Chansiri’s declared intent of restoring the Owls to the top table of English football by the club’s 150th centenary season in 2017 has led to long-suffering Wednesdayites daring to dream again.

But on-pitch gloss to a happy half-week sadly was not applied last night, with the Owls’ 12-month wait to record back-to-back home wins continuing.

The multi-millionaire will have to wait for his first official win as Wednesday’s new owner, having spoken on Monday of his desire for Stuart Gray’s side to sign off 2014-15 with a strong finish.

The 2013-14 run-ins by Bournemouth, Middlesbrough and, to a lesser extent, Ipswich arguably laid the foundations for their promotion charges this term – something Wednesday are craving to replicate next season.

But amid talk of the future, an unwelcome blast from the past in Jordan Rhodes helped Rovers secure their first away success since October 25.

Rhodes – who netted four in a crazy 4-4 draw for Huddersfield at Hillsborough in December 2011 – bundled in his seventh goal in four outings at S6 on 17 minutes, and nine minutes later a landmark goal for Adam Henley doubled the visitors’ haul.

It was not edifying viewing for Chansiri, introduced to the crowd and presented with a framed picture just before kick-off, with the terrible state of the ravaged Hillsborough surface a stark reminder of where one of the club’s major priorities lies.

Credit to Wednesday for a much better second half, with substitute Chris Maguire’s strike just after the hour being the precursor to sustained pressure, but Rovers held out – just. Negotiating the surface proved a problem early on for Rovers debutant Doniel Henry, who slipped when attempting to clear Sam Hutchinson’s cross with Will Keane nipping in. His swivelled shot was held by Jason Steele.

Percentage football was the sensible option, although the Owls did attempt to probe opportunities on the flanks, where there was a bit more grass.

But Rovers made the breakthrough from their first attack via the aerial route with a booming long throw from ex-Owls full-back Tommy Spurr flicked on by Chris Brown,h goal poacher Rhodes nipping in to bundle the ball home as the hosts’ defence switched off.

So resolute at the back this term, Wednesday produced another uncharacteristic concession 11 minutes later.

Kieren Westwood superbly parried Rhodes’s point-blank header before Ben Marshall’s corner clipped the bar.

Moments later, the Owls rearguard buckled, with slick play from Chris Taylor sending the untracked Henley clear and he slotted the ball low past Westwood for his first senior goal.

Wednesday, with the crowd a touch agitated, could not get going and further disruption saw captain Jose Semedo depart injured five minutes before the break.

It was all somewhat deflating, in contrast to the fine second-half showing against Boro, although the restart was much better, with Lewis McGugan’s deflected shot flying just wide.

Wednesday gradually built a head of steam and were finally rewarded on 61 minutes.

Maguire fired home low past Steele after his initial effort was superbly blocked by the keeper after an inviting cross from McGugan. Maguire cajoled home fans to pump up the volume after trotting back to the centre circle.

A Rhodes lob was comfortably dealt with, but it was an effort in isolation with McGugan testing Steele with a free-kick as the pressure was ramped up.

But Rovers held out stoically, summed up by Matt Kilgallon’s bravery in blocking Maguire’s goalbound volley late on.

Sheffield Wednesday: Westwood; Palmer, Lees, Zayatte (Helan 45), Dielna; Hutchinson, McGugan, Semedo (Maguire 40); Maghoma (May 69); Keane, Nuhiu. Unused substitutes: Kirkland, Mattock, Lee, Vermijl.

Blackburn Rovers: Steele; Henley, Henry, Kilgallon, Spurr; Taylor, Spearing, Williamson, Marshall; Rhodes, Brown. Unused substitutes: Eastwood, Cairney, Olsson, Lenihan, Evans, Conway, Gestede.

Referee: E llderton (Tyne and Wear).

Results and tables: Page 22.