Danny Mandroiu’s first-half strike earned City a deserved point after a gritty battling performance at Sheffield Wednesday.

Wednesday enjoyed the most possession in the early stages but it was the Imps who had the first chance of the game from two inswinging corners which dropped dangerously into the area, but were dealt with by the hosts.

Despite these early opportunities for City, it was the Owls who went ahead in the 12th minute as Will Vaulks’ cross into the centre was met by Michael Smith who got in front of an onrushing Carl Rushworth to head home.

Vaulks almost set up a second for the Owls five minutes later in a clever corner routine which saw the midfielder’s lofted ball flicked on by Akin Famewo and just missed by Aden Flint at the back post.

The Imps levelled in the 28th minute as Harry Boyes won the ball brilliantly on the halfway line before driving at goal to unleash a low powerful strike which was parried into Danny Mandroiu’s path to tap in from a few yards out.

Mark Kennedy’s side caused the hosts more trouble shortly afterwards as Ted Bishop’s corner was played out to Max Sanders on the edge of the area whose bending effort almost caught David Stockdale out.

City took confidence from the equaliser and burst forward again just before the break as Bishop and Ben House moved the ball forward together before the latter struck into the side netting from just inside the area.

The two sides enjoyed even spells with the ball at the start of the second half, with Smith’s angled shot following a high ball forwards the closest either side went to going ahead. 

Darren Moore’s side went within a few inches of retaking the lead in the 69th minute as Vaulks’ free-kick from the right was met by Flint who got in front of Rushworth to head narrowly wide of the post.

City continued to battle hard throughout the closing stages and were able to earn a valuable point on the road - with Jackson clearly an effort off the line in the eight minute of time added on to secure a deserved point.

Sheffield Wednesday: David Stockdale, Liam Palmer, Will Vaulks, Dominic Iorfa (Mallik Wilks 61’), Lee Gregory, Barry Bannan ©, Akin Famewo, Marvin Johnson, Michael Smith, Reece James (Dennis Adeniran 82’), Aden Flint. Subs (not used): Cameron Dawson, Jaden Brown, Fisyao Dele-Bashiru, Tyreeq Bakinson, Rio Shipston.

Goals: Smith (12’).

City: Carl Rushworth, Regan Poole ©, Harry Boyes, Adam Jackson, Max Sanders (Ethan Erhahon 73’), Ted Bishop (Mide Shodipo 65’), Ben House, Danny Mandroiu (Luke Plange 70’), Lasse Sorensen, Sean Roughan, Matty Virtue. Subs (not used): Sam Long, Dylan Duffy, Jovon Makama.

Goals: Mandroiu (28’).

Attendance: 27,903 (2,323 away).

Referee: Robert Madden.