Midfield veteran’s miss fails to spoil opening-day triumph
Sheffield Wednesday began their Championship campaign with a 2-1 win at Leyton Orient, but it was a moment of near farce from Barry Bannan that stole much of the post-match conversation. The 36-year-old midfielder, who rejoined Wednesday on a free transfer earlier this month, somehow dragged the ball wide when faced with an empty net after the hosts’ goalkeeper had been rounded.
The incident arrived just after Jamal Lowe had restored Wednesday’s lead from the penalty spot on 66 minutes. Within five minutes of that strike, a defensive lapse from Orient — a headed back-pass from James Morris that failed to reach goalkeeper Nathan Baxter — presented Bannan with what looked like a routine opportunity to make the scoreline comfortable. Instead, with the goal gaping, he rolled the ball wide, prompting disbelief around the BetWright Stadium.
Remarkably for a player with Bannan’s experience, the miss did not cost Wednesday the match. The visitors saw out the remainder of the game to claim three points on the opening day, returning north with a win to build on. The result will have heartened manager Henrik Pedersen and the travelling support, who were loudly in evidence at Leyton.
Reaction, recovery and a touch of humour
In the dressing room and on social media, Bannan was candid about the gaffe and quick to shrug it off. He posted on Instagram that he would be working on his shooting in training ahead of the next fixture — a Yorkshire derby against Bradford City at Hillsborough.
“Three points away ole ole. Battling performance, lads were brilliant. Shooting practice next week for me. Huge thank you to the fans; amazing away end again.”
The miss provided an odd contrast with the rest of Wednesday’s second-half performance. Manager Pedersen noted that the first half had fallen below the level he expects, saying the players “didn’t run enough” and failed to create the right behind-the-defence movements. The introduction of Louie Barry at half-time was singled out as a catalyst for improvement, with the team playing with greater zip and creating more clear chances after the break.
What the moment means for Wednesday and Bannan
For Bannan personally, the incident will be an unwelcome talking point but not one that defines his contribution to the team. He remains a measured presence in midfield and will be judged over the course of the season rather than a single miss. For Sheffield Wednesday, an opening-day win away from home is a valuable platform: it gives Pedersen and his squad confidence while highlighting areas that need sharpening, particularly in the first 45 minutes.
- Scoreline: Leyton Orient 1–2 Sheffield Wednesday
- Key moments: Jamal Lowe penalty (66'); Barry Bannan missed open goal (c.71')
- Manager’s view: First half below desired standard; improvement after Louie Barry introduction
| Minute | Event |
|---|---|
| 66' | Jamal Lowe penalty — Wednesday regain the lead |
| c.71' | Barry Bannan misses from close range with empty net |
There is a human element to these moments that fans remember — not always for the right reasons. In towns and cities across South Wales, where Saturday afternoons are shared territory between pride and incredulity, supporters will understand the mixture of frustration and fondness that follows a player like Bannan. He laughed with the crowd on social media and pledged to do better, and football, in its long seasons, often gives both the chance to learn and the stage to make amends.
For now, Sheffield Wednesday travel back up the M1 with all three points secured. The Owls will hope the performance can be tightened, the first-half shortcomings addressed, and that their midfield scholar will keep his finishing touch for when the margins are finer later in the campaign.
