Owls boss Brian Laws is excited to be playing the first derby match of the season as Barnsley visit Hillsborough tonight.

Following a thrilling 0-0 draw at Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, the Wednesday manager is looking to an intimidating Hillsborough crowd to give his side an edge against the in-form Tykes.

Despite the shock resignation of club chairman Dave Allen on the eve of the match in London, Laws was delighted that his side showed no sign of distraction in securing a decent away point. He now wants the Owls players to continue their recent good run of form.

"We were delighted that the performance was good and the result was good at QPR and I think for either side to lose that game would have been harsh," Laws said. "The players were very focused on the day and they went out there and focused on the job we asked them to do. That was really pleasing and the fact they put in a good shift during the two-week break sets us up nicely for the Barnsley game tonight.

"We have to show signs of progression in terms of what we are going to do and we need to make sure everyone is pulling in the same direction to get the right things done for Sheffield Wednesday Football Club."

More than 2,800 supporters travelled to Loftus Road on Saturday and gave strong vocal support to their team and the Wednesday chief is looking for the same against Simon Davey's team.

"I thought the supporters were magnificent on Saturday but I have to say they've been magnificent all season," Laws enthused. "That vocal support that we had at QPR was exceptionally good and I appeal to the supporters to come out in a local derby and give us that fantastic support again; make it an intimidating atmosphere for the Barnsley players. They (Barnsley) have sold 5,000 tickets so we're expecting a big gate and a hell of a big noise."

Stakes are indeed high for the S6 clash with Barnsley being seventh in the Championship ahead of the fixture. Laws also believes the Tykes will want revenge for last season's double over the Owls' South Yorkshire neighbours.

"Barnsley came here last season and were the better team but lost and then we beat them 3-0 at their place and I know they are smarting from that. Their results this season show you they are a tough nut to crack but this is a local derby and I am sure it will have every ingredient for that," Laws insisted.

"Barnsley's position in the league and their win over Watford (3-2 on Saturday) shows that they will be coming into the game cock-a-hoop and probably favourites to win the game. One thing is for sure; we will give them a real good run for their money. We want to use this game as a yardstick for us and continue to push up the league."

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