Sheffield Wednesday started 2026 with a 3-0 defeat to Preston North End at Deepdale on New Year’s Day.
Goals either side of half-time from Ali McCann, Milutin Osmajić and substitute Lewis Dobbin sealed a comfortable win for North End, condemning Wednesday to their first defeat this side of Christmas.
Wednesday, who remain winless since the end of September, started well in Lancashire, taking the game to Paul Heckingbottom’s side, but the game’s opening goal knocked the stuffing out of Henrik Pedersen’s men and they never recovered.
With a depleted squad, the Owls must now find the strength to go again as soon as Sunday lunchtime, facing QPR at Loftus Road.
Here is how we rated the players at Deepdale:
1. Pierce Charles - 6
Called into action almost immediately after the game's opening goal, getting down well to deny McCann a second, before diverting the rebound behind for a corner. He had no chance with the goals, particularly the second and third. | UGC
2. Dominic Iorfa - 4
At fault for Preston's opening goal, failing to clear the ball when he had ample opportunities to do so. Prior to that, he'd started strongly, picking up from where he left off against Blackburn. Also failed to step up for North End's second. | UGC
3. Gabriel Otegbayo - 5
Started in the middle of the back-three again and started well, making a couple of eye-catching interceptions and tried to play the ball out from the back. However, like his teammates, he regressed as the contest unfolded. | UGC
4. Liam Cooper - 4
Back in the team after being forced to pull out late on against Blackburn Rovers, the defender made a good block early on, chucking himself in front of the ball to block Ben Whiteman's rasping drive. However, questions were asked of his failure to stop McCann for the goal. He was forced off shortly before half-time after hobbling off the pitch. | UGC