Birmingham 0 Sheff Weds 2: May and Helan add fuel to Owls’ revival under Gray

The Scotland Under-21 international, who joined the Owls in an £800,000 move from St Johnstone last month, notched his second goal since moving south in the 68th minute to provide further evidence of Wednesday’s quiet revival under manager Stuart Gray.

The visitors sealed the three points with a second goal a minute from time through substitute Jeremy Helan.

The win was just reward for the visitors’ positive play, with the return from suspension of captain Glenn Loovens another important factor in their victory.

As usual, Birmingham operated a free-flowing attacking formation but it was matched by Wednesday, who refused to be over-awed by the Midlands club.

The result was some open fast play from both sides, with Clayton Donaldson wasting a glorious opportunity to put the hosts ahead in the opening five minutes.

Atdhe Nuhiu could count himself unlucky not to have given Wednesday the lead three minutes later with a first-time glided shot which went just wide of the far post.

The near-misses continued, particularly from the home side. Wes Thomas headed over from Dave Cotterill’s cross, Brek Shea shot into the side-netting, Paul Caddis hit the post, while goalkeeper Kieren Westwood foiled Thomas in a one-on-one situation.

Westwood’s opposite number Darren Randolph parried Chris Maguire’s shot and then dived at the feet of Jacques Maghoma to prevent the Wednesday player scoring from close range.

The Owls were the more dangerous in the second period, although Nuhiu collected an unusual booking. With a colleague lying injured, he caught the ball from Westwood’s clearance and was promptly booked by referee Jimmy Adcock.

Birmingham were forced to resort to some strong tackling to repel Wednesday. But May eventually put Wednesday ahead in the 68th minute. He collected a pass on the left and moved with great purpose across the edge of the penalty area before firing a low shot through a packed Birmingham defence.

Maguire, who had a fine second half, then carved out the opening for Helan to settle the game in the 89th minute.

Birmingham: Randolph, Eardley (Spector 16), Edgar, Robinson, Grounds, Shea (Gray 54), Caddis, Davis (Gleeson 79), Cotterill, Donaldson, Thomas. Unused substitutes: Duffy, Reilly, Doyle, Shinnie.

Sheff Wed: Westwood, Palmer, Lees, Loovens, Mattock, Maguire, Semedo, Coke (Drenthe 63), Maghoma, Nuhiu (Madine 74), May (Helan 81). Unused substitutes: Buxton, Zayatte, Dielna, Kirkland.

Referee: J Adcock (Nottinghamshire).