Full Time Report: Brighton 1 Sheffield Wednesday 1 (agg 1-3)

Sheffield Wednesday players celebrate Ross Wallace's equaliser at the Amex

The Owls held off a terrific Brighton onslaught to draw 1-1 in a tense night at the Amex with Ross Wallace cancelling out Lewis Dunk's early opener.

Brighton began the game with incredible intensity, pressing first the very first kick and putting pressure on the Owls' backline. Even in the first minute, Wednesday's backline were defending like it was the last; throwing bodies at the ball and blocking the Brighton attack.

The home side continued to press and Anthony Knockaert headed just wide on 16 minutes but they would only wait another three minutes before making the breakthrough that their start to the match deserved.

Knockaert turned provider, crossing in a free kick from the right and Dunk headed past Keiren Westwood to increase the stunning levels of noise in the Amex.

However in the 29th minute came a crucial moment as Wednesday equalised on the night. Wallace found space wide on the right and crossed into the box, but the ball evaded everyone and went straight into the net, silencing the vociferous home crowd.

Brighton continued to have the upper hand, but their play lacked the high tempo of the early stages - the players and supporters looked visibly stunned by the leveler from the Owls.

And just before half time Wednesday were denied a lead by a superb save from David Stockdale who beat away a Gary Hooper header from Fernando Forestieri's cross.

Sam Hutchinson came on at half time for Wednesday as Carlos Carvalhal moved to tighten things up in the middle of the park, but still Brighton pushed forward in search of route back into the tie.

While Brighton pushed forward, the visitors hit them on the break and in the 51st minute Barry Bannan forced Stockdale into another fine save.

After that it was about Wednesday's defence. The back plus the superb Westwood turned in an heroic performance, keeping Brighton at bay and the home side couldn't find a way past the black and blue wall.

IN-DEPTH REPORT TO FOLLOW

Teams

Brighton: Stockdale; Bruno, Greer, Dunk, Bong; Knockaert, Sidwell, Kayal, Skalak; Baldock, Wilson. Subs: Maenpaa, Crofts, Calderon, Murphy, Rosenior, Towell, LuaLua.

Sheffield Wednesday: Westwood, Hunt, Loovens, Lees, Pudil, Wallace, Bannan, Lee, Lopez, Hooper, Forestieri. Subs: Wildsmith, Sasso, Hutchinson, Helan, Matias, Nuhiu, Joao

Referee: Roger East