Source: Team_Talk
McAuley: Owls stars did me proud
The home side put Newcastle under pressure in the opening stages at Hillsborough, without creating a clear-cut chance until they opened the scoring after 14 minutes when Luke Varney met a cross from James O'Connor with a close-range header.[LNB]Kevin Nolan equalised with a header from Danny Guthrie's cross and Shola Ameobi put Newcastle in front as the visitors scored twice in eight minutes.[LNB]O'Connor, however, struck a 59th-minute equaliser as the Owls earned a welcome point to the delight of caretaker manager McAuley.[LNB]"They're a difficult nut to crack and I think we did really well," he said.[LNB]"Nobody expected us to get anything out of the game so that took a bit of pressure off.[LNB]"The players deserve all the credit. We were really pleased with the way they approached the game.[LNB]"They played with no fear and I thought their reaction in the second half was spot on because we needed to stay disciplined.[LNB]"Maybe if we can get a strong foothold in games coming up, the creativity will follow."[LNB]Newcastle boss Chris Hughton was disappointed that Wednesday's equaliser was allowed to stand, following an apparent foul on goalkeeper Steve Harper.[LNB]Hughton, however, was far from satisfied with his side's display.[LNB]"It was most definitely a foul for their equaliser, but it wasn't one of our better performances," said Hughton.[LNB]"We have no given right to win any game and we faced a spirited Sheffield Wednesday side.[LNB]"We didn't start the game well and gave away a poor goal.[LNB]"I think it's disappointing, whenever you lead in a game, if you don't go on and finish the job off."[LNB]Hughton revealed that Alan Smith will be available for selection for Monday evening's game at home to Derby, having missed the match with an ankle knock.[LNB]"It would have been too big a risk to play him today but he'll be available on Monday," said Hughton.[LNB][LNB]
