Gallagher sees red as Owls end in 5th

The Owls ended the normal season is disappointing fashion when Bristol City ran out 3-2 winners in an action packed afternoon infront of the season's biggest crowd at Hillsborough. Wednesday knew a win here would seal 4th place in the league and guarantee a second leg home fixture in the play-off semi-finals.

That looked unlikely when the half time whistle blew as Wednesday found themselves two behind. Steve Brooker gave City the lead on 25 minutes when he latched onto a ball played over the Wednesday defence, and lofted it past the oncoming Paul Gallagher. Moments before the break Brooker grabbed his second with a fantastic right foot shot that flew into the roof of the net.

Half-time: Owls 0-2 Bristol C

The Owls showed better spirit in the second period and got themselves right back in it after 51 minutes. Drew Talbot's low pass missed everyone but found Jon-Paul McGovern at the back post who finished neatly. Eight minutes later Wednesday were level. Richard Wood connected with Paul Heckingbottom's free kick for his first goal of the season. A great reward for the young centre back who has had an oustanding season for Wednesday.

Louis Carey came close to restoring City's lead when his 25 yard shot crashed back off the post. With ten minutes left the Owls looked set to finished in 4th, with Brentford still being held to a 1-1 draw at home to Hull elsewhere, but it all went to custard moments later. Steve Brooker found himself through on goal with was judged to have been brought down by the onrushing Gallagher, who ultimately was sent-off. With no substitute goalkeeper on the bench the Owls were forced to throw former Bristol City striker Lee Peacock in goal. He came agonisingly close to saving the spot kick, but Luke Wilkshire's low shot crept under him to make it 3-2.

That was how it stayed and Brentford's late winner against Hull meant Wednesday will play the Bee's in the play-offs, with the home leg first up. Hartlepool will play 3rd placed Tranmere Rovers in the other semi-final. Manager Paul Sturrock later revealed the Owls will look to appeal the one match ban Gallagher looks set to face for his sending off.

Paul Sturrock's post match comments:
"It shows how a mental approach to a football game can cost you dear. It was quite scary the difference in momentum between the two halves. I'm very frustrated and disappointed. We can't defend as we did in the first half and expect to win football games. In the second half we were at the pace of the game, playing at a high tempo and in their faces, and we got back in the game again. If we can remember our second half mentality and performance then I feel it will stand us in good stead."