Wrexham denied first win despite Moore double

Wales striker Kieffer Moore scored his first goals since a £2m move from Sheffield United at the start of August

Wrexham's wait for a first league win since promotion goes on as the Championship new boys threw away the chance to add to Sheffield Wednesday's woes.

Wales striker Kieffer Moore had put Phil Parkinson's side in control and on course for victory when he struck twice inside 15 first-half minutes.

But a mixture of complacency and nerves allowed Wednesday to first get back into the game via captain Barry Bannan before a leveller from Bailey Cadamarteri nine minutes from time.

It was joyous moment for Wednesday fans who had continued their protest against owner Dejphon Chansiri, seeing them climb off the bottom of the table.

But Wrexham, who like their opponents had lost both of their opening fixtures, will be wondering how they did not hang on after Moore's first goals since his £2m summer move from Sheffield United.

The Wales international first pounced when a Lewis O'Brien free-kick was not properly dealt with.

And he was gifted the chance of a second on the half-hour mark when, after a sweeping passing move, the space opened up for George Dobson to shoot, with Moore slotting home when Evan Horvath parried poorly.

But Wednesday weren't without their threats. Olaf Kobaki might have scored when he headed narrowly over the bar in the dying stages of the first half, while Lewis Brunt had to make an important block on Ike Ugbo as Wrexham let complacency creep in.

Indeed, there could have been little complaints or surprise when the visitors did find a way back into things when Bannan side-footed home on 64 minutes as Wrexham failed to clear their lines.

And Wrexham were eventually denied a first win at this level in 43 years when Charlie McNeil's cross from the right was tucked home by Cadamarteri.

Analysis - Wednesday's defiance stretched beyond stands

Just three weeks into the season and yet the images at full-time seemed more like the tail-end of a long campaign.

Players in both red and blue fell to their haunches as the whistle sounded, some out of exhaustion, some perhaps in exasperation.

For Wednesday, whose fans' chants of protest went from defiance to delight as the game swayed their way, and the players who had gone without a proper pre-season because of the issues at the club, it was the relief of finding reward for their efforts.

They could have easily been blown away such was the comfort in which Wrexham found themselves so early on.

But the visiting side mirrored the mindset of the fans who are refusing to give up hope, sensing Wrexham are still finding their way.

When Wrexham wobbled, they went for it.

The problem for Phil Parkinson's side is that, despite it being so early into their first season at this level in more than four decades, there is no time like the present.

With a raft of new signings and others getting up to speed or reacquainted with this level, things aren't quite cohesive.

Although this turned out not to be the afternoon to introduce new Manchester City arrival Callum Doyle who remained in the bench, Nathan Broadhead's first start had flashes of quality – but not often enough on the same wavelength as others.

It will come and there was much about Wrexham's play that impressed and encouraged, including Moore getting off the mark.

But they will not be able to stop the pressure coming with every week that goes by without a win.

This will be seen as a missed opportunity against beleaguered opposition.

It could prove a significant moment, even this early on, with Wrexham now challenged in how they respond.

And so too Wednesday; a first point and some glimmer of hope that they still have plenty to fight for.

What's next for these teams?

Wednesday welcome Yorkshire rivals for an EFL Cup tie on Tuesday, Premier League Leeds United visiting Hillsborough on Tuesday, 26 August (20:00 BST) for a game that some fans are looking to boycott.

In terms of the Championship it's the visit of Swansea City next Saturday.

Wrexham, meanwhile, travel to Deepdale for an all-Championship EFL Cup contest with Preston North End before taking on Millwall at The Den in the Championship on Saturday, 30 August (15:00 BST).

What they said

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson:

"We showed we looked like a Championship team in the first half and a League One side after the break.

"We were terrific to start but credit to Sheffield Wednesday for the way they responded, but we never got a grip of the ball, gave it away too cheaply and put ourselves under pressure.

"At the end, players were out on their feet because we were stretched and didn't retain possession – and at this level if you give the ball away you get punished.

"We are showing we can compete but we have to find a way to sustain performances right through the game."

Sheffield Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen:

"The big picture is that I'm very, very proud.

"After we conceded we struggled so we changed things and were able to put in a strong defensive performance and helped us to a great second half.

"We had nearly 60% of possession in the second half and created a lot. I really think the boys showed what they are standing for.

"They were 2-0 down but they stayed together, the belief was there. How they expressed themselves in a difficult period and trust they showed, it was impressive.

"It showed our culture is strong and our players are ready to do everything for our club."