Sheffield Wednesday got off to the perfect start in 2006 as they secured a 3-0 victory which piled more pressure on struggling Crewe.

Richard Wood struck early in the first half while debutant Marcus Tudgay added the second after the break before Chris McCready's own goal gave the Owls a welcome victory in their battle against relegation.

The Owls have struggled up front this season and manager Paul Sturrock may have finally found a solution to his goalscoring problem after making a New Year's Day swoop for Rotherham striker Deon Burton and Derby's Tudgay - both were handed their full debuts against Crewe.

Saturday's 2-1 win over Burnley ensured Wednesday finished the year on a high while also bringing an end to their seven-match run without scoring a goal.

But they looked far from impotent in attack throughout this encounter which was largely dominated by the home side and they deservedly took the lead in the seventh minute.

John Hills' shot was put behind for a corner and when Richie Partridge swung the ball into the box Wood rose highest to power the ball home.

Wednesday were looking bright and another corner from Partridge seven minutes later nearly produced a goal, while Tudgay headed wide soon after.

Burton's hold up play and vision was impressive while the Owls' defence was coping well with Crewe's attacks, though Luke Varney nearly broke free only to hesitate at the crucial moment and the ball was cleared.

In the 30th minute a poor clearance by Crewe goalkeeper Ross Turnbull was picked up by Burton O'Brien who unleashed a powerful shot against the crossbar.

Soon after, Burton wasted a glorious chance to further extend the home side's lead when he was sent clear on goal but dragged his shot wide.

Crewe took off Steve Jones at half-time for Luke Rodgers and the change appeared to have a positive effect.

Varney brought down a long pass to put him in sight of goal and only a last-ditch challenge prevented the striker from levelling the scores.

But Wednesday gradually got themselves back into the game and Burton had a good chance just before the hour mark but his header from Partridge's cross did not have enough on it to beat Turnbull.

But three minutes later Wednesday went further ahead when a shot into a crowded penalty eventually fell for Tudgay who headed home from close range for his first goal for the club.

And the points were made certain with nine minutes left when substitute Chris Brunt fired a shot towards goal which was headed into his own net by McCready.

Teams

Sheff Wed Weaver, Coughlan, Wood, Simek, Gilbert, Whelan, O'Brien, Hills (Corr 84), Partridge (Brunt 67), Burton (Bullen 83), Tudgay.

Subs Not Used: Diallo, Rocastle.

Booked: Gilbert.

Goals: Wood 7, Tudgay 62, McCready 81 og.

Crewe Turnbull, Moss, Moses, McCready, Foster, Billy Jones, Lunt, Rix (Suhaj 64), Gary Roberts (Bell 84), Steve Jones (Rodgers 45), Varney.

Subs Not Used: Tomlinson, Walker.

Booked: Foster.

Att: 25,656

Ref: A D'Urso (Essex).