Sheffield Wednesday failed to win for the 5th game in succession on Tuesday evening but can be pleased with an improved performance on Saturday's home defeat to Rotherham in picking up a point at fellow promotion contenders Brighton & Hove Albion.
The hosts started the game well and were in confident mood having won their previous 4 home games in which they scored 12 times.
Despite this Wednesday, with coach Carvalhal making 6 changes to the side that started at the weekend, defended resolutely and restricted the Seagulls to little more than half chances.
As the game wore on the Owls looked the more threatening, albeit mainly from long distance efforts with Barry Bannan twice testing the keeper in the second half.
Brighton failed to register a single clean shot on target and Westwood and the back four of Palmer, Loovens, Lees and Bennett came away with an impressive clean sheet.
All that was missing was a goal to cap a solid away performance but positive displays from returning players Hutchinson and Matias can hopefully be taken forward into the next 2 games before the international break as the Owls look to keep their play-off push on track.
Elsewhere in the hunt for a top 6 place for once many of the results went in Wednesday's favour. Cardiff slumped to a surprise home defeat to Leeds, Birmingham and Derby were both beaten on their travels and Ipswich conceded a late equalizer at Bolton. The big winners on the night were Burnley who won at Fulham to enhance their hopes of a top 2 finish while Middlesbrough were beaten at improving Rotherham.