Sheffield Wednesday 0 Derby 0: Two points dropped, admits Carvalhal

The Rams were a shadow of the side that so impressively won at fellow Championship promotion hopefuls Hull last time out, especially in the first half when only a lack of cutting edge and a fine Lee Grant save from Ross Wallace kept the hosts out.

It was not until the 67th minute that the visitors finally mustered a shot on target, although they almost snatched victory late on when a fierce Bradley Johnson strike ricocheted off the underside of the crossbar.

The 0-0 draw means Derby have lost just once in 14 matches, but that was of little consolation for Clement.

“I didn’t think we played very well today - I was very disappointed at the end of the first half,” said the Derby boss, who confirmed full-back Stephen Warnock has gone to hospital after taking a blow to the ribs.

“We hadn’t created anything, only the half-chance when Cyrus (Christie) crossed from right and Chris Martin got some contact with a header but it was well wide of the post.

“It was slightly better in the second half and in the end we were only a crossbar away from nicking it, but I think overall it was probably a fair result.

“They’ve had slightly more chances. There was a good save from Lee in the first half with the Wallace dipping shot. Apart from that, they didn’t have anything else that was really clear-cut.

“There was some long-range shots that were over the bar and a header from a corner late on, so it was probably a fair result overall, but I was disappointed with our attacking display today.

“Credit to them and the way they defended - tight lines, a lot of pressure on the ball, doubling up and they’ve got confidence here at home. They’ve got a good home record.

“That might prove to be a very valuable point at the end of the season.”

Wednesday counterpart Carlos Carvalhal tried to remain philosophical after the 0-0 draw, but clearly felt this was a case of two points dropped.

“If we are in the top six, whatever,” the Portuguese said when asked about missing the chance to move into the play-off spots. “I think more important is the way we are doing things.

“Today we played with Derby - one of the strongest teams in the Championship, a team that has played very well.

“I analysed the game and I think they played very well, but today I think we played better than the opponent.

“I am not saying we are better than Derby, but today I think we had more quality on the pitch.

“This is good for us, this is good for the future. Where you are in the table, I don’t think it is important as it’s December.

“In May, it can be important but not at this moment. It is important that we’re in a process.”