Sheffield Wednesday 1-1 Burton Albion

Jackson Irvine's superb first-half volley was his ninth of the season for the Brewers

Jackson Irvine's stunning volley earned Burton Albion a fourth successive Championship draw in a gutsy away performance at Sheffield Wednesday.

The Owls led after a bright start when keeper Jon McLaughlin allowed Ross Wallace's 30-yard strike to creep in.

But Irvine's fierce shot following a corner restored parity by the interval.

Albion came under increasing pressure in the latter stages, but just about held out and also missed a great chance to snatch the win through Lloyd Dyer.

The Brewers are still three points clear of the Championship relegation zone after stretching their unbeaten run to five matches, while the promotion-chasing Owls remain in sixth place.

Despite their second-half dominance, it could have been worse for the hosts. Winger Dyer somehow blazed the best opportunity of the second half over the bar, but Wednesday were well on top, having 71% of the possession and forcing 19 shots.

Jordan Rhodes, Fernando Forestieri and substitute Steven Fletcher all should have done better as the Owls failed to make the most of their early lead.

The hosts had gone close through Forestieri and Barry Bannan by the time winger Wallace did put them ahead when his speculative strike bounced in off the post.

Keeper McLaughlin seemed to have plenty of time to scramble across his goal despite the accuracy, but his mood will have been brightened by Burton's fine response.

Marvin Sordell forced two decent saves from Keiren Westwood in quick succession, however the keeper was powerless to prevent Irvine smashing home a wonderful equaliser that ultimately earned a point.

Sheffield Wednesday manager Carlos Carvalhal: "It's a game that is very easy to explain. One team that came to achieve one point - which I understand - and another team that tried to win since the beginning.

"Of course I am not happy with the score, but I am happy with my players. Why? Because to play against a team that puts ten players in front of the area is not easy and I think we did what we must do.

"Most of the time we achieved good positions in the wide areas to cross and we did a lot of crosses with quality, but we didn't put the ball inside the net."

Burton manager Nigel Clough: "It was backs-to-the-wall at times and I thought we defended magnificently, to a man.

"We tried to be a threat but it's very difficult against quality opposition like Sheffield Wednesday. You can't play open, expansive football.

"We had to work hard and the only disappointment was the goal we conceded, but we got back on equal terms quickly. If we are to survive, it's got to be a scrap and a battle and you could see the determination to succeed."