The Owls lacked that little bit of luck against Nottingham Forest that can make all the difference, according to Dave Jones.
Wednesday counted themselves unfortunate to take nothing from the live TV game and on another day might have had a penalty and in turn a potential share of the spoils.
But two contentious handball decisions went the way of the visitors, who emerged triumphant through Radoslaw Majewski’s first half goal.
Jones said: “We were out of luck today because I think we could have had at least one penalty and that would have been our reward for a better second half performance.
“Forest were the better side in the first half and could have been two up by half time. But we came back into it after the break and gave it a good go but it wasn’t to be today.
“I think with a little bit more composure, we could have taken something. We saw plenty of the ball in the second half and Chris Kirkland has had hardly anything to do.
“But Forest are a good side with some good players and we are aspiring to be where they are.
“I can’t fault our players, though, for effort because they gave everything. But it was a game of two halves and the only difference was that they scored when they were on top and we didn’t.”
The Owls must now pick themselves up in time for the trip to promotion-chasing Watford on Tuesday night and Jones insists that the Hornets hold no fear to his charges.
He added: “I would rather play the top teams because we seem to play better against them. We know all about Watford, they are a very good side but we can be a good side too.
“That’s two defeats in 13 games and I think most people would have taken that at this stage of the season no matter where you are in the table.
“It’s still incredibly tight down there and the frustrating thing is that had we won today, we would have jumped a few places and been in amongst the teams on 43 and 46 points.
“But there are still 12 games to go with a lot of points to play for so we will come in and go again and be ready for the Watford game on Tuesday.”