Brighton 0 Sheffield Wednesday 0: Owls earn point in stalemate

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 Stockdale.

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.

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.

Albion keeper Stockdale kept his side on terms by producing a superb save to parry a goal-bound left-footed from Scottish midfielder Bannan seven minutes after the break.

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.

Brighton: Stockdale,Saltor,Goldson,Dunk,Rosenior, Knockaert (Zamora 68),Sidwell,Stephens,Murphy,Hemed (LuaLua 70), Baldock (Wilson 76). Unused substitutes: Maenpaa, Greer, Kayal, Bong.

Sheffield Wednesday: Westwood, Palmer, Lees, Loovens, Bennett, Lee, Hutchinson, Bannan, Marco Matias (Wallace 84), Hooper, Lucas Joao (Nuhiu 66). Unused substitutes: McGugan, Lopez, Sasso, Price, Pudil.

Referee: D Drysdale (Lincolnshire).