Darren Moore hopeful Owls can pull off FA Cup upset against Newcastle

Sheffield Wednesday striker Michael Smith relishing FA Cup clash with boyhood club Newcastle after ending goal drought – as Owls’ boss Darren Moore aims to continue 13-match unbeaten run against in-form Magpies

  • Darren Moore, who just completed 100 games in charge, is eyeing promotion 
  • Wednesday amassed 97 points and scored 104 goals in an incredible 2022  
  • Only Manchester City outscored them across the top four divisions in England
  • Now Moore’s side face Eddie Howe’s in-form Newcastle in the FA Cup 3rd Round  

Darren Moore is hoping Sheffield Wednesday can continue their unbeaten run and pull off a giant-killing at Newcastle United this weekend.

The 48-year-old, who last week completed 100 games in charge of the Hillsborough side, has guided Wednesday to second place in League One with eyes firmly on promotion.

They had an impressive 2022, amassing 97 points across the calendar year and scoring 104 goals in all competitions, indeed only Manchester City outscored them across the top four divisions.

Darren Moore is hoping Sheffield Wednesday can continue their unbeaten run and pull off a giant-killing at Newcastle United

Eddie Howe’s side have also been in phenomenal form but Moore hopes the Owls can extend their unbeaten run 

Moore will take inspiration from Cambridge United’s 1-0 giant-killing of the Magpies this time last year when Joe Ironside’s strike sent Howe’s side crashing out the FA Cup. 

Unbeaten in 13 games and 14 clean sheets, Moore’s squad is bristling to give a good account of themselves when they take on Eddie Howe’s high-flying side in front of a sold-out Hillsborough at tea time on Saturday.

Monday’s comprehensive 5-0 victory over Cambridge has done little to dampen the excitement building in the Steel City, although Moore has typically tried to downplay expectations.

‘My focus is with Sheffield Wednesday, what happens elsewhere is not our concern,’ said Moore. ‘We are just focused on making sure we give the best version of ourselves.

‘I just want to say thank you because everybody has played a part in that record and figures,’ Moore added. ‘It’s been a wonderful calendar year but we want to continue in the same vein in 2023.

‘It’s nice to be in the top two, it’s where we want to be. Am I happy with that? Yes. Am I satisfied with that? No. Why? Because we can get better, we have to get better as the season goes on and the way to do that is hard work on the training ground and taking that work into games.’

Only Manchester City scored more goals than Sheffield Wednesday’s 104 across the top four divisions in 2022

Moore’s experience and calm persona has paid dividends, particularly with the man-management work he has put in with striker Michael Smith.

The 31-year-old had been struggling in front of goal before Christmas with a four-game goal drought but a pep talk from Moore before their game with Port Vale last week revived his confidence. 

He scored two against Vale then added another brace against Cambridge to take his season’s tally to 11. The Wallsend-born forward is now relishing the prospect of an FA Cup clash against his boyhood club Newcastle.

‘l had a chat in the week, me and Smudger, where I said this is your time to score. I didn’t predict that he’d score two though!’ Moore laughed.

Smith, who came through the famous local Boys Club that produced talents such as Alan Shearer and Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick, said: ‘The Cup magic is still there for me. I remember watching it as a kid with my dad, finals at the old Wembley and at Cardiff. It was a rite of passage, coming from where I’m from [being part of the Boys Club]. I never had a trial at Newcastle, but I’m not bitter or anything!

‘I’ve never managed to get to St James’ Park as a player – plenty of times as a Newcastle fan. It would be lovely to before I retire.’




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