Yorkshire | Wednesday denied much-needed victory in final seconds

Birmingham City 2 - 2 Sheffield Wednesday

Demarai Gray struck a dramatic equaliser in the 99th minute to preserve Birmingham's unbeaten home record and deny Sheffield Wednesday a much-needed victory.

Author | James Whaling

Stadium | St. Andrew's

Pictures from the away end

The Owls, whose players learned before kick-off that wages would once again be delayed, had come from behind to lead deep into added time at St Andrew’s, only for Gray to rifle home through a crowded box and in off the bar.

Closer analysis of a dramatic evening

Jay Stansfield’s early finish appeared to set Birmingham on course to extend their formidable home run, which now stretches to 29 league matches without defeat. But a succession of defensive errors gifted Jamal Lowe an equaliser and Wednesday’s teenage striker George Brown, with his second goal in three games, looked to have secured an improbable win.

View from the stands

The late drama ensured the Owls’ ongoing financial troubles remained centre stage. This latest delay means their players have now been paid late five times in seven months, yet Wednesday responded with a performance of determination after a first half in which they were largely second best.

Stansfield’s opener came just nine minutes in when he beat Harry Amass in a 50-50 challenge and struck crisply on the half-volley beyond Ethan Horvath. Birmingham remained in control until Eiran Cashin’s lapse in midfield gifted possession, and then compounded his mistake by failing to clear Svante Ingelsson’s hopeful pass. Lowe’s tame shot should still have been saved, but Ryan Allsop allowed it to creep past him.

Picture taken just before the late drama

Birmingham pressed to restore their lead, Horvath saving superbly from Stansfield, but with 14 minutes left Wednesday’s captain Barry Bannan, jeered by home supporters for his Villa connections, delivered a precise free-kick which Brown volleyed home.

The visitors defended with resolve, Ernie Weaver blocking brilliantly from Gray as Allsop joined the attack at set pieces. But with stoppage time exhausted, the ball broke for Gray once more, and his rising drive thundered in off the underside of the bar to spark relief among the home fans.

Another hammer blow to Wednesday's survival hopes

Ahead of this match, players and staff were again told to expect wage payment delays. It is believed now that EFL sanctions will automatically apply, with the club now are at serious risk of losing points.