But Sheffield Wednesday proved they could mix it with the likes of Plymouth and Ipswich, then drop down into third gear for a handsome win over Morecambe that chalked up three points, as is becoming something of a theme for a side drunk on efficiency.
Morecambe acted as mannequins for a mis-match outing.
The Owls snared a club record – the most clean sheets ever recorded in a league season (18).
A stress-free Valentine’s Day sojourn. Here are our ratings.
1. A record-breaking win..
..and three points well won. Who shone? Step through our ratings.. Photo: .
2. Cameron Dawson - 7
Rumour has it he didn't hear the final whistle and is still out there now, waiting patiently for a flicker of involvement. On a serious note, he did well and played his part in securing Wednesday a club record for clean sheets - may there be a very many more to come. Photo: UGC/Steve Ellis
3. Liam Palmer - 7
Like plenty of others, was allowed to play on half-speed thanks to an insipid Morecambe performance and breezed through it with a supreme air of confidence. Did enough to fend off Stockton for their best moment of the game, a cross on 67 minutes. Photo: UGC/Steve Ellis
4. Aden Flint - 7
In a defensive line that in all honesty didn't take much marshalling, he marshalled. And with the quiet authority of a dad reading a book on a sun lounger, he marshalled well. Photo: Steve Ellis / UGC