Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Röhl offered a defence of goalkeeper Cameron Dawson after a handling error late on in their home clash with Cardiff City contributed to a gut-punch defeat.

The Wednesday goalkeeper has been a constant since the arrivals of both Röhl and, more recently, new goalkeeping coach Sal Bibbo, with the German previously encouraging Wednesday fans to rally behind his goalkeeper after a section of the fan base voiced their displeasure with his performances at various points this season. Former manager Xisco preferred AC Milan loanee Devis Vasquez.

Wednesday had dominated the match for the most part until Karlan Grant’s deflected effort – which replays revealed could have been set up as a cross – eluded Dawson. But it was Dawson’s handling of Ollie Tanner’s seemingly harmless 88th-minute shot that drew the most criticism, with Di’Shon Bernard failing to react as quickly as Kion Etete before the ball crossed the line via Akin Famewo’s shins.

Röhl appeared to accept Dawson’s role in the defeat, but emphasized the importance of other players being counted in defending both goals. The Owls’ manager is more concerned with the outcome than with any individual blame.

“For the goalkeeper, it’s not easy,” he added. “I believe all of the goals originated in another area of the field.” We can block the shot, be online, and assist our goalkeeper as well. It occurs in football. For me, the two goals conceded are less of a disappointment than the fact that we took nothing. It’s more difficult to accept if you control the game like this.”