Brentford boss Keith Andrews makes Henrik Pedersen point after Sheffield Wednesday win
Brentford knocked a very young Sheffield Wednesday team out of the FA Cup on Saturday, winning 2-0 at Hillsborough.
Brentford head coach Keith Andrews described Sheffield Wednesday as a "very, very well coached" team following his side's 2-0 win at Hillsborough in the FA Cup third round on Saturday afternoon.
Goals either side of half-time from Keane Lewis-Potter and Mathias Jensen, who dispatched a second half penalty, steered the Bees into the fourth round for the first time since 2021/22.
Although they peppered the Wednesday goal, particularly in the second half, forcing plenty of saves out of Owls goalkeeper Pierce Charles, who was forced off with a shoulder injury after 60 minutes, they were forced to lean on a free-kick and a penalty to see them through.
Despite being up against a very young and largely inexperienced Wednesday team, Andrews felt his side were forced to work hard to secure their place in the next round, speaking honestly about the depths of the problems the Owls continue to face this season.
He also hailed the job Owls chief Henrik Pedersen continues to do in the most testing of circumstances.
Andrews, who previously worked across the city, spending time on Chris Wilder’s coaching staff at Sheffield United, told the media: “I think he's managed to keep the enthusiasm around our performances. I've obviously watched a lot of them in the last few days since our game against Sunderland.
"The performance levels are still there, the spirit is still there, in what are clearly very difficult circumstances for all concerned. But he's the one who has to drive it, really.
Andrews sympathetic on Owls’ plight
"They're a very, very young squad, they're very, very well coached. I know exactly what they're doing without the ball and how they try and trap you and press you.
"So, yes, I don't know, but I can imagine it's very difficult at times to keep going. But, yes, they're a well-coached team and I do feel for the club at the moment.
"It's a club I grew up watching. In the years that I grew up in, ironically, the FA Cup was maybe more special than it is now for some people.
"Two Sheffield clubs, Sheffield Wednesday, of course, going back to the early 90s in the Premier League. I was at Wolves as an apprentice when they got relegated in the first game, when they dropped into the Championship, so I'm well aware of the history of this city and this club."