Last-minute Watford equaliser denies Sheffield Wednesday crucial Championship win
Charlie McNeill's goal gave Wednesday the lead before a dramatic late finish
Sheffield Wednesday were denied a much-needed Championship victory after Watford scored a dramatic last-minute equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Vicarage Road.
Charlie McNeill gave the Owls the lead in the first half as the struggling side aimed for only their second win of the season.
However, substitute Vivaldo Semedo struck in the seventh minute of stoppage time to level the match, leaving Wednesday heartbroken after a determined display.
Owls head coach Henrik Pedersen reflected on the game with mixed emotions, expressing pride in his team’s performance:
"The first feeling is of disappointment because we were so close - but I'm also very proud because we gave everything and played with a fantastic togetherness," Pedersen said.
"The tactical discipline and courage of our players was a big step forward. We know about Watford's speed and power going forward in transition and how we played in the second half was amazing.
"The boys were all disappointed in the dressing room afterwards, but we asked the team for commitment, intensity, discipline and togetherness and they were very, very strong. The players have done a fantastic job and they have grown a lot as a team."
Pedersen also praised McNeill, whose first-half strike continued his promising development as both a player and individual.
"Charlie is learning more about himself and his empathy for his team and the club has let him grow a lot as a player and as a person."