McAuley proud of players

Owls caretaker boss happy with Magpies draw

Last updated: 26th December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

McAuley proud of players

Hughton: Unhappy with performance

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Sheffield Wednesday caretaker manager Sean McAuley was delighted with his players after the 2-2 draw against Newcastle.

The Owls went ahead through Luke Varney but within eight minutes they were behind thanks to goals from Kevin Nolan and Shola Ameobi before James O'Connor rescued a point in the second half.

Wednesday remain in the Championship's bottom three after the draw, although many expected high-flying Newcastle to dispatch them at Hillsborough.

The Magpies' lead at the top of the table has been cut to eight points and McAuley was proud of the performance.

"They're a difficult nut to crack and I think we did really well," he said.

"Nobody expected us to get anything out of the game so that took a bit of pressure off.

"The players deserve all the credit. We were really pleased with the way they approached the game.

"They played with no fear and I thought their reaction in the second half was spot-on because we needed to stay disciplined.

"Maybe if we can get a strong foothold in games coming up, the creativity will follow."

Newcastle reaction

Newcastle boss Chris Hughton was disappointed that Wednesday's equaliser was allowed to stand, following an apparent foul on goalkeeper Steve Harper.

Hughton, however, was far from satisfied with his side's display.

"It was most definitely a foul for their equaliser, but it wasn't one of our better performances," he said.

"We have no given right to win any game and we faced a spirited Sheffield Wednesday side.

"We didn't start the game well and gave away a poor goal.

"I think it's disappointing, whenever you lead in a game, if you don't go on and finish the job off."

Alan Smith was rested for the trip to South Yorkshire with an ankle knock, although Hughton revealed he will be available for the game against Derby on Monday.

"It would have been too big a risk to play him today but he'll be available on

Monday," he added.