Brighton move third with a point against Sheffield WednesdayBrighton climbed to third in the Championship with a point from a hard-earned 0-0 draw against Sheffield Wednesday before a crowd of 26,128 at the Amex Stadium.Wednesday went closest to taking maximum points through midfielder Barry Bannan, who twice forced important saves from keeper David Stockdale in the second half.Brighton rarely threatened and could not force a fifth successive home win for the first time at the Amex, while Wednesday have now gone five games without a win.On a rain-soaked, greasy Amex pitch Wednesday were the first to threaten when Liam Palmer got through down the right and his low ball into the six-yard box was claimed by alert keeper Stockdale.Albion boss Chris Hughton made one change with veteran midfielder Steve Sidwell coming in for Beram Kayal, and the Seagulls got in behind the visitors' defence for the first time when Sam Baldock had a low cross held by keeper Keiren Westwood.Scottish winger Jamie Murphy went close for Brighton when he cut in from the left and put a deflected right-footed drive just over.The Owls, who had failed to score in three of their previous four Championship games, wasted an opening midway through the half when Kieran Lee set up Marco Matias but no one was on hand to meet his inviting ball to the back post.Keeper Westwood covered his near post soundly to claim the ball when defender Liam Rosenior cut in dangerously from the left.Brighton's French winger Anthony Knockaert had a chance to run at the Wednesday defence after a quiet opening but his cross to the back post eluded Israeli international striker Tomer Hemed.Wednesday picked up the first booking of the game when Lucas Joao gave away a free-kick in a challenge on Connor Goldson and aimed a kick in the direction of the Seagulls defender.Brighton, struggling to deliver quality balls into the area, threatened when a free-kick by Knockaert was headed away by Joao.Albion keeper Stockdale kept his side on terms by producing a superb save to parry a goal-bound left-footed from Bannan seven minutes after the break.Keeper Westwood showed alertness at the other end to dive bravely at the feet of Sam Baldock following a through-ball by Knockaert.After Wednesday made their first change when Atdhe Nuhiu replaced Joao, Albion boss Hughton freshened up his attack by introducing Bobby Zamora and Kazenga LuaLua.But, in a game of precious few clear-cut chances, Wednesday looked the likelier team to break the deadlock and Bannan threatened again 15 minutes from time by forcing Stockdale to make a vital save low to his left
Source : PA
Source: PA