Sheffield Wednesday put down a statement of intent to stay in the play off fight winning 3-0 against a fighting Birmingham side. Goals from January signings Jordan Rhodes and Sam Winnall as well as Adam Reach gave a spirited Gianfranco Zola’s sides display no reward, whom hit the woodwork three times.

The home side started well with Winnall making Tomasz Kuszcak save from close range within the first two minutes. Followed soon by a strike from Barry Bannan that was spilled by the Polish keeper before being cleared, pressure told minuties later with a floated cross by Ross Wallace left Kuszcak in no mans land and allowed Rhodes to nod in from 5 yards out.

Birmingham tried to muster up some possession and replied with their first shot when Emilio Nsue saw his half volley comfortable saved. Soon after, a cross caused panic in the Wednesday defence when Jonathan Grounds attempted flick header came off Sam Hutchinson’s head before hitting the post. Spirit rose amongst the away side and Nsue once again looked dangerous with left footed strike hitting the upright from a tight angle. Taking advantage of Fernando Forestieri playing out of position on the left wing and the strikers lack of defensive duties. The first half ended with Birmingham on top with Jutkiewicz heading over from a corner.

Carlos Carvalhal clearly had a word with his side at half time as Sheffield Wednesday came out with intent as they did in the first. Winnall minuties after kick off had a shot well saved by a strong right hand from Kuszcak. The Blues started to get back into the game when a Gary Gardner free kick hit the side netting. Both sides battled out for dominated, but neither could find a way through for a clear cut chance with Rhodes backwards header from 5 yards out a half chance that was easily saved. The disjointed tempo of the game benefitted Zola’s side with Wednesday limited to attacking opportunities with David Davids having a shot deflected just over the bar, leaving Kieran Westwood with no chance. Gary Gardner soon after showed his Premier league experience with a smart turn and shot that fired back off the crossbar.

Seconds later, a superb cross from Jack Hunt was headed in by a diving Winnall three yards out, giving Kuszcak little chance. The last ten minutes played out an even affair with Wednesday not at their fluent best against a tough Birmingham defence. Yet clinical the Owls were, a quick pass from Winnall allowed on running substitute Adam Reach to sprint through on goal and side foot into the net to make it a flattering 3-0 scoreline to the promotion hopefuls against a spirited and hard working Birmingham side.