They're alive - but only just... - Player ratings as Sheffield Wednesday fall hard to Neil Warnock's Middlesbrough

Had they won today, Wednesday would’ve moved up to 22nd and close the gap on Derby to just one point – but they threw the opportunity away, losing 3-1 to Neil Warnock’s Middlesbrough as they once again failed to come back from behind and get anything from a game.

The Owls – who were once again without Darren Moore – did manage to score a rare equaliser as Josh Windass levelled up following the goal from Yannick Bolasie on the back of a Julian Börner mistake.

But then Josh Coburn and Duncan Watmore put the game in the second half, and Wednesday just weren’t up to the challenge.

Luckily, Derby and Rotherham United were both beaten, so the Owls live to fight another day – but only just.

Our player ratings here:

Keiren Westwood – 6

Made one really big save in the first half. Decent distribution, but still conceded three goals and probably could’ve done better for the third.

Liam Palmer – 6

Not up to the standards that he’s set in recent weeks, really. Not a bad performance from him, but he could’ve offered more down the right.

Sam Hutchinson – 7

A good showing from him, especially in the second half. Timed his tackles really well, and made some key interventions for the Owls.

Tom Lees – 6

Was solid for the most part, and made one really big challenge in the first half. Sadly looks to have picked up a serious injury, and it’d be a surprise to see him playing again this season.

Julian Börner – 5

At fault for the first goal, and made a few errors of judgement throughout the game too. Better in the second half, but not a good overall performance.

Adam Reach – 6

Drifted in and out of the game. Looked decent in patches but then also was a bit sloppy in possession at stages.

Joey Pelupessy – 6

Another tidyish performance from him. Like everybody there were a few loose passes, but he broke down play a lot and put in some big challenges/interventions.

Barry Bannan – 6

Looked good in patches, but also didn’t dictate the way that everyone knows he can.

Andre Green – 7

Did brilliantly to win the penalty, and could probably have had a couple of assists too. One of the better performers.

Callum Paterson – 6

A steady performance, but didn’t make the kind of impact that he’d have been hoping for.

Josh Windass – 6

Another goal as his fine run continues, but he’ll have been disappointed not to have gotten at least one more. Full of running again.

Osaze Urhoghide – 6

Did well enough after coming on for Lees, tried to be an attacking outlet too, but possibly could’ve done better for the second goal.

Jordan Rhodes – N/A

A late sub on for Paterson.

Kadeem Harris – N/A

Didn’t get long on the field as a late substitute.

Alex Hunt – N/A

Came on for the final 10 minutes