The Owls exit the Carabao Cup after defeat to Wolves

Henrik Pedersen said Sheffield Wednesday’s defending for Wolves’ second goal in their 2-0 win in the Carabao Cup at Hillsborough was ‘awful.’

The Owls were behind after just three minutes when the unfortunate Sil Swinkels put through his own net after Joe Lumley parried from Tawanda Chirewa. The hosts recovered after so it was frustrating for them to concede from the second phase of a set-piece during added-time after some indecisive defending.

“A very, very good test for our for our guys,” Pedersen said after full-time. “We knew we were playing a very strong team. We gave ourselves a very difficult beginning with our own goal. I think the first eight to 10 minutes was high tempo. But then we worked into the game.

“I think we had some good transitions, and we had some also good finishing, but the big chances we didn't create. Then I think the last 15 minutes of the first-half we were strong, but then it was awful to concede the second goal from a set-piece. We tried to push up, and then they make the cross. I think we had two guys who can just head the ball away.”

Wednesday remained spirited after the break but lacked the quality to cut Wolves open and they exit the competition at the second round stage.

Pedersen added: “Then in second second half, I think the picture was the same. We work good into the game, and then I think when we make the substitutes, then we we took it to the next level. We were stronger on the ball, and we go more dynamic. We had more runs behind the back-line from them, and we had more explosive situations on the ball. They were 2-0 up so they should not hunt everything, but I think it was a strong performance from a lot of players.”