Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 Reading

Stevie May scored his second goal in a week for the Owls

Stevie May's deflected free-kick gave Sheffield Wednesday victory over Reading at Hillsborough.

The Scottish striker's goal on 83 minutes moved the Owls into the Championship play-off positions and gave Stuart Gray's side their first home win of the season.

Reading's best chance came when they were awarded a first-half penalty.

But goalkeeper Keiren Westwood made a crucial save with his legs to deny Reading striker Glenn Murray.

The result ended Reading's run of four straight wins while Wednesday have now lost just once in their last 10 games.

After a scrappy start, the game burst into life on 32 minutes when Murray, on loan from Crystal Palace, was brought down by midfielder Giles Coke.

But the striker's effort down the middle was well saved by Westwood.

The visitors had chances early in the second half but Jake Cooper's close-range header was met by Westwood and Murray's looping header hit the bar.

Atdhe Nuhiu and May then went close with long-range efforts for Wednesday.

Westwood was called into action again as he palmed away Nick Blackman's swerving 30-yard free-kick after 78 minutes.

The home side then made the breakthrough with May scoring his third goal for the Owls since joining from St Johnstone in August.

Wednesday were awarded a free-kick just outside the area and May's drilled effort took a deflection to wrong-foot league debutant Mikkel Andersen.

The Owls threatened to add a second in the closing stages but the Reading defence hacked the ball clear following a goalmouth scramble and then Joe Mattock put a low shot straight at Andersen.

Sheffield Wednesday manager Stuart Gray: "It's nice to put that one (their home form) to bed because people keep saying that we haven't won here since 26 March in the league.

"I just felt that the penalty save was probably the defining moment in the game. It gave us a lift and it gave the fans a lift. We seemed to then pick up a bit of momentum.

Reading manager Nigel Adkins: "I thought we did well in the first half and kept the crowd quiet.

"Mikkel Andersen made his debut in goal because Feds (Adam Federici) was just feeling his calf. He had one shot on target to deal with and unfortunately it was deflected past him for the winner.

Adkins on the Thai consortium takeover of the club: "I'm really excited about the future, the stability is now here because for a good 18 months I would suggest it hasn't been there.

"Instead of having to sell players we might be able to bring some in."