It is not often that you see a defeat with such mutual goodwill on either side.

County are out of the Carabao Cup after a penalty defeat to an uncertain Sheffield Wednesday side, but the heartache is not nearly as strong as the play-off final loss last season. 

The Owls were always the favourites for this game as a championship team, yet the Hatters certainly turned up, with a fantastic goal from captain Paddy Madden in the 16th minute, and a stalwart defence which endured a constant onslaught of Sheffield Wednesday attacks.

The County wall was only broken by a 'scrappy' goal in the 97th minute. 

With the game progressing to penalties, an outstanding performance by Owls loan keeper Devis Vasquez kept Sheffield in the cup. 

County fans are philosophical about the loss, though. For many, this season is about promotion first and foremost. An exit from the cup may hurt, but it means that there is one less thing to worry about this season.

In other words, a potential roadblock to promotion - one which could lead to fatigue, injuries or stress - has been removed. 

Stopfordians could leave Hillsborough, then, with some optimism. Not least because the visitors received fulsome praise from Sheffield Wednesday fans. 

The myth of the '12th man' who plays for County - the crowd - was certainly confirmed, as Owls fans praised the strength of the atmosphere in the away stand. 

County pundit Ian Brown of the All Things Stockport County blog said of the game as a whole: "A performance of searing brilliance, cool resilience, and just plain excellence was not quite enough to see County through to the second round of the EFL Cup last night against a Sheffield Wednesday side that for large portions of the match were simply outclassed."

Read more from Ian's report HERE.

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