Sheffield Wednesday 3 Nottingham Forest 1: Lee returns to inspire Owls to victory

Goals from Gary Hooper, Steven Fletcher and Kieran Lee were enough to secure all three points for Carlos Carvalhal’s side, the Owls head coach forced to watch from the stands as he serves a two-match tuchline ban.

The big surprise was the return of Lee in midfield, for his first game since last season’s play-offs.

Also in for Wednesday was new signing Joost van Aken at centre-half, but Jacob Butterfield had to be content with a place on the bench after his move from Derby County.

The Owls had a great chance to take the lead, when Hooper got on the end of Jack Hunt’s lowe cross, but poked the ball wide.

Kicking towards the Kop, Fletcher saw his volley well saved by Forest goalkeeper Jordan Smith, who then denied van Aken from the resulting corner.

Lee was next to go close, but his header flashed wide from Hunt’s right-wing cross.

The goal was coming and Hooper produced it, firing home after being played through by Barry Bannan.

Forest were level on 29 minutes, as Ben Osborne escaped the Owls defence and fired low under Keiren Westwood.

Smith pulled off a good save to deny Ross Wallace’s long-range effort as the Owls looked to bounce back.

Wednesday were back in front after the break, Lee’s corner picking out Fletcher who headed in at the Leppings Lane end.

Seven minutes later it was 3-1, Lee pouncing after some good approach play by the Owls.

All three scorers for Wednesday were substituted by George Boyd, Butterfield and Jordan Rhodes as the hosts looked to play out the final quarter.