Although the Owls went down 3-1 at Bradford on Tuesday night in the Papa Johns Trophy, there were plenty of positives for manager Darren Moore to focus on post-match.
The gaffer made 10 changes from Saturday’s stunning win over Forest Green Rovers at Hillsborough.
Amongst those brought into the starting line-up were Alex Mighten for his debut after joining us on a season-long loan from Nottingham Forest and striker Michael Smith, who returned from injury.
“I thought it was an even game really but, in the end, a little bit of naivety with our defending cost us both goals in the second half when I look at it really,” Moore said.
“Whether it was tired legs or just from the younger players not being able to spot the danger and manage those dangerous positions better.
“Overall it was a good game, hard-fought, a running match but I just thought out of possession, the goals could have been defended better and in possession, our final detail with the passes was a little bit waned at times.
“But I can’t fault the work rate of the players and the tempo of the game and certainly tonight, even though we are disappointed with the result, those 90 minutes will come in handy for a few of the players.”
He continued: “I’m pleased Michael Smith got 45 minutes.
“The plan was always to give Michael, Dominic Iorfa and Mark McGuinness 45 minutes. We got jolted with young David Agbontohoma coming off so we had reshuffle the pack.
“You want your strikers scoring and Michael stuck the spot kick away and I thought his all-round game was good.
“It was good for the fans to see Alex Mighten get 80 minutes tonight as well so we’re pleased with that.
“Him and Mallik will give us movement. We will give them some roles and responsibilities over the coming weeks but it will have benefited them getting those minutes.”
Just under 3,400 Wednesdayites made the trip to the University of Bradford Stadium and Moore was full of praise for the terrific backing the team received throughout the evening.
“They were really fantastic,” the gaffer said. “They brought an energy to the game and I just can’t credit them enough.
“The support we get at home and away is superb, I had to go over and give them a clap because they were magnificent so I thank them all personally and we’ll see them Saturday.”