Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen gave credit where it was due after his side were held to a goalless draw by Stockport County, describing the visitors as "a very strong Stockport team" in his post-match reaction.
A point apiece in a hard-fought contest
The two League One sides could not be separated on 19 September, with neither able to find a way through in what Pedersen acknowledged was a testing afternoon for Wednesday. The result means the Owls drop two points from a winning position in the table, though they retain a healthy lead at the summit following their impressive start to the campaign.
Pedersen was candid in his assessment. He did not dress up the opposition's display, giving Stockport full credit for the level they brought to the game. For a Wednesday side that has set the early pace in the third tier, the draw is a reminder that the division's better sides are well capable of matching them.
Stockport refuse to yield
Stockport arrived at the contest with confidence of their own. Manager Dave McNulty had spoken ahead of the match about his side's intent to attack Wednesday, and in the aftermath of a recent run of form that included a big win over Wigan, County showed they were genuine contenders at this level rather than also-rans making up the numbers.
A clean sheet for Stockport will have pleased their backline, with goalkeeper and defensive organisation a theme McNulty has been keen to build on. Wednesday, meanwhile, have now seen a game without a goal for the first time after what had been a prolific opening to their League One season.
What it means for the table
Wednesday entered the fixture with a seven-point lead at the top of League One, a margin built on the back of consistent victories, including a 2-1 win at Wycombe. A draw does not dramatically alter the picture, but it does allow chasing clubs to close the gap slightly if they win their own fixtures.
Stockport, for their part, will take a point from a trip to the division leaders as useful currency in what promises to be a competitive promotion race. McNulty had said after the Wigan win that his side were ready for the challenge, and this result suggests that belief is well founded.
Pedersen keeps perspective
Pedersen signed a new contract at Wednesday before the season, a statement of intent from the club that the project is in capable hands. His measured response after the draw suggests a manager who is building for the long term rather than reacting to a single result.
He has spoken previously about areas he wanted to improve heading into the Stockport fixture, and while the clean sheet conceded at the other end may provide some satisfaction defensively, the inability to break down a well-organised County side will be a tactical problem he will want to solve before the next outing.
Wednesday remain in an enviable position at the top of League One. But draws like this serve as a useful recalibration: this division does not hand out points to anyone, not even the leaders.
Frequently asked
- What was the result between Sheffield Wednesday and Stockport County?
- The match ended 0-0. Neither side could find the net in a tight League One contest on 19 September.
- What did Henrik Pedersen say after the Stockport draw?
- Pedersen praised Stockport, describing them as a very strong team. He acknowledged Wednesday were tested throughout the match.
- Are Sheffield Wednesday still top of League One after the draw?
- Yes. Wednesday remain at the top of League One, though they drop two points from a potential win. They had led the division by seven points going into the match.