Sheffield Wednesday lost 2-0 to Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday, a result that extends their winless run in League One. Owen Bailey scored both goals for the hosts inside the opening 16 minutes to secure the points.
Bailey opened the scoring after six minutes, then doubled Doncaster's lead ten minutes later following an assist from Isaac Hutchinson. The early double left Wednesday with a mountain to climb.
Missed Opportunities
Sheffield Wednesday created several chances to get back into the game after the break. Barry Bannan and Ali Al-Hamadi were both denied by Doncaster goalkeeper Tommy Simkin, while substitute Mason Burstow also saw an effort saved. Despite the pressure, the Owls could not find a way past Simkin.
Manager Henrik Pedersen made changes at half-time, introducing Burstow for Jaden Heskey. Further substitutions followed later in the game, with William Grainger and Sean Fusire entering the fray. The team's efforts were not enough to alter the scoreline.
The defeat leaves Sheffield Wednesday seventh in the League One table with 18 points from 10 games, a record of five wins, three draws and two losses. They are now four points behind leaders Stockport County and have lost their last two league matches, following a 2-0 loss at Notts County earlier in the week. Their recent form over the last five games stands at two wins, one draw and two losses, but they have now lost their last two. The team has scored 20 goals and conceded 10 this season, giving them a goal difference of plus ten.
Defender Liam Palmer made his first league start since the opening day, while Max Lowe also returned to the starting lineup after injury. Liam Cooper started his third consecutive match. The team's top scorer this season, J. Lowe, who has five goals in 10 appearances, was unable to add to his tally.
Sheffield Wednesday now turn their attention to a home fixture against fourth-placed Cambridge United on Tuesday 27 October. This follows a sequence of recent results that includes a 5-0 win over AFC Wimbledon on Saturday 17 October and a 2-2 draw at Huddersfield on Saturday 10 October.
Sheffield Wednesday sacked manager Henrik Pedersen on Sunday, the club announced. The decision came after a 2-0 loss at Doncaster on Saturday, the team's second straight defeat. Sporting Director Simon Wilson said, "We haven’t seen enough progress." The club confirmed Matt Hamshaw will take interim charge. Sheffield Wednesday are eighth in League One with 18 points from 11 games. They host Cambridge United on Tuesday.
On Monday, defender Liam Cooper said the squad must take responsibility for the 2-0 loss at Doncaster. "As a team, as players, we need to take responsibility. It's not good enough," Cooper stated. The defeat, which followed a 2-0 loss at Notts County, leaves Sheffield Wednesday eighth in League One with 18 points from 11 games. The team has now conceded 12 goals this season. They host sixth-placed Cambridge United on Tuesday.
On Monday, Henrik Pedersen said he believes he can win back the support of the fanbase. "Of course. I burn for this football club," the manager stated. The comments came after some supporters called for his dismissal following the 2-0 loss at Doncaster. Sheffield Wednesday, who are eighth in League One with 18 points, next host Cambridge United.
