A 1-1 draw against League Two opposition, a late goal, a penalty shootout. While the key factors were similar to the Stockport County outing, the performance was far improved - in the first 45 at least. Ultimately, it counted for nothing.
Xisco is awaiting his first win as Wednesday boss and his first clean sheet. It has been a nightmareish start to the season.
It was a bizarre game dotted with really promising first half performances. That the Owls couldn’t sustain it is concerning as are slowly recurring themes; the concession of late goals, missed chances, defensive sloppiness and a failure to put 90 minutes together.
Here are our player ratings after another frustrating evening for Sheffield Wednesday.
1. Cameron Dawson - 6
Looked really confident with his feet and saved comfortably when called upon on a relatively quiet night in terms of shots on target. Undone by an excellent Oates finish but made a good save in the shootout. Will be interesting to see if he holds his place in the team.
2. Dominic Iorfa - 5
The return of the Iorfa gallop was a sight to behold but a couple of defensive lapses - one with his head and one mis-step - which led to two good Mansfield chances.
3. Michael Ihiekwe - 6
Made a couple of understated but important interceptions and read the game nicely, using his body well to stop a couple of half-chances for Mansfield to create something. Forced an excellent save from his head early in the second half.
4. Akin Famewo - 5
Defended hard and won some key aerial battles. Passing radar was a little off in stages of the first half but he sharpened up on the ball as the game went on. Made one recovery tackle of huge importance from his own slip. An odd one - good in moments, sloppy otherwise.