Sheffield Wednesday gave plenty to not only stay apace with Birmingham City’s expensively assembled squad, but they went beyond in portions of the game. A young side stripped of quality battled and harried and entered the final swathes of the match level - before a couple of defensive lapses from young players cost them so painfully.
Wednesday offered bits and pieces going forward but in front of a sparse Hillsborough crowd felt that sinking feeling again - and not least with the look of Barry Bannan’s exit from the field.
Here are our ratings.
5. Cole McGhee - 5
A couple of important interventions early doors. Looked at half-pace from time to time as you'd expect for a young player thrown in at this level. Horror moment at the end - it's going to happen for a player being asked to step up to 90 minutes of Championship intensity so far ahead of schedule. | UGC
6. Reece Johnson - 5
A first Championship start for the youngster. He'd have liked to take on a couple of crosses again. Sloppy clearance allowed Birmingham in to open the scoring but he's in the same boat as McGhee. | UGC
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7. Jaden Heskey - 7
On full debut for the Owls, showed for the ball a great deal and pushed it about nicely. Powerful in moments and looked hugely accomplished for much of the game. | UGC
8. Barry Bannan - 7
Swazzy shot on the half-hour got fans off seats. A frustrated figure at times. Not everything came to pass from his boot but he was the source of the bigger moments. Ran blood to water. Emotional exit from the field felt ominous. | UGC