Defensive Diamonds hold Owls at home

A defensive Rushden and Diamonds side left Hillsborough with the point they came for, according to manager Chris Turner. The Wednesday boss was disappointed that his side failed to break down the visitors defence, but claims The Diamonds never intended on winning the game.

The 0-0 draw stretched Wednesday's unbeaten run to 6 games and plenty of upset results elsewhere in Division Two ensured the Owls kept their fourth place position. Turner reverted make to his prefered starting line-up after their midweek LDV Vans cup victory over Grimsby Town, a game which was eventually decided by penalties. Lucas, D.Smith, Lee, Cooke, Mustoe, McLaren and Holt all found themselves back in Turner's first XI.

This report from the TeamTalk website:

Sheffield Wednesday failed to find their scoring touch against Rushden as a disappointing spectacle ended in stalemate. Wednesday striker Adam Proudlock came closest to scoring in the opening period when he stretched to meet Terry Cooke's low cross. But the big frontman found Billy Turley in fine form in the Rushden goal and his reflex save low to his left kept the scores level. Proudlock was again denied by Turley in the second period, after his firm shot was tipped around the post.

Rushden failed to test David Lucas in the Wednesday goal until the 88th minute when Barry Hunter's header from a David Bell free-kick was saved by the on-loan keeper. Earlier, Diamonds striker Rodney Jack unsuccessfully attempted to lob Lucas after spotting him leave his line.

Chris Turner's most match comments:

"There was only one team out there trying to win the game. I'm not taking anything away from them because they did a good job, but we need to do better. We needed something to go our way - that's why I threw Michael (Reddy) on."

Half-time: Owls 0-0 Rushden