Struggling Owls held at home by Spireites

There were no early Christmas presents for Chris Turner and his side, as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at home to local rivals Chesterfield Town. Wednesday were firm favourites to end their barron run of league results with a win over the Sprireites, but it wasn't to be.

Instead the Owls have now gone 10 league games without victory and are sliding slowly down the wrong end of the table. Confidence at home appears to be a problem too. Just one goal has been scored in the last four games at home. Large sections of the Hillsborough crowd have begun to voice their displeasure at Wednesday's performances of late, and with Wednesday's embarassing FA Cup exit at the hands of Third Division Scunthorpe last week, the pressure is quickly mounting on Turner & co.

Even the inclusion of Craig Armstrong, Paul McLaren and winger Paul Smith could not help Wednesday's cause. All three have watched from the sidelines in recent weeks through respective injuries. Turner will be hoping they can all get fully match fit soon, and help turn their season around.

This report from Soccernet.com:

Chris Turner's Sheffield Wednesday saw their indifferent home form continue as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Chesterfield. Mark Innes headed over early on and Chris Brandon forced a save out of Wednesday keeper David Lucas. Chesterfield were well on top early on and Lucas again saved well to deny Derek Niven. Carl Muggleton produced a solid save to parry Grant Holt's shot as Wednesday came back into the game. Muggleton again denied Holt when he blocked his header from Brian Barry-Murphy's cross.

Niven saw a goalbound shot blocked by Graeme Lee and Marvin Robinson blasted the rebound wide. Mark Hudson then had his shot blocked before Glynn Hurst was denied by Lucas as Chesterfield finished the game strongly.

Half-time: Owls 0-0 Chesterfield

Chris Turner's most match comments: "I don't think we played particularly well. We are not playing as freely as we did at the start of the season. We're chasing a win and it shows in the team and the crowd in terms of frustration which gives the opposition hope."

AnzOwls' verdict: A poor, poor result. This should have been 3 points in the bag.