Sheffield Wednesday 1-1 Norwich City: Canaries halt losing run

With several potential bidders now in the running to buy Wednesday, boss Henrik Pedersen again turned his attention to matters on the field and named an unchanged line-up, while Norwich brought in Mirko Topic for Pelle Mattsson.

Defender Liam Palmer made his 478th appearance for the Owls, who had managed just one point from seven previous home games, putting him equal fourth on their all-time list with ex-goalkeeper Kevin Pressman.

Norwich should have been ahead with their first attack as Dominic Iorfa’s error presented the ball to Sargent but the US international – without a goal in his previous nine games – stabbed wide as keeper Ethan Horvath rushed from his line.

And they were stunned when Bannan was given too much time and space and thundered an unstoppable left-foot shot into the top corner from 30 yards to put Wednesday in front.

The visitors failed to learn the lesson as they were again far too static in midfield, allowing Harry Amass to cut the ball back to Bannan for another powerful effort, but this time Vladan Kovacevic was able to make a diving save to his right.

For a team on -5 points, albeit courtesy of a deduction for going into administration, Wednesday looked calm and confident, and a neat passing move created a shooting chance for Sean Fusire, who was wastefully wide from the edge of the box, before unmarked Jamal Lowe headed wide from Amass’ cross.

Manning made a tactical change at the interval with Kvistgaarden replacing centre-back Shane Duffy, but Wednesday almost doubled the lead when Svante Ingelsson found himself in a one on one with Kovacevic, who made a crucial save with his legs.

Norwich responded with their best move since the opening minute, culminating with Sargent laying the ball into Oscar Schwartau’s path, but he dragged his shot wide of the post.

Lowe then squandered a golden chance at the other end from Ingelsson’s outside-of-the-foot ball in, and just seconds later an inch-perfect pass from Kenny McLean found Sargent in space and he unselfishly presented Kvistgaarden with an easy sidefoot finish.

Manning’s side suddenly looked the stronger and Jeffrey Schlupp was inches away from a second after an attempted cross rebounded to him, but their defence still looked vulnerable and Kovacevic had to save from Fusire after Bannan found him with a ball through the channel.

Kovacevic was fortunate when he advanced from his box to clear but played it straight to Ingelsson, who failed to hit the target from just inside the half with the goal wide open.

Wednesday pressed hard in the closing stages with Bailey Cadamarteri warming the keeper’s palms, but Norwich almost snatched it in added time when Kvistgaarden’s header from a corner kick forced a great stop from Horvath.

The Owls are away to Southampton on Saturday, while Norwich will try again for their first home points of the season when they host Leicester City.