Laws' Woodwork Woe

Owls boss Brian Laws was left to rue missed chances, including Kenny Lunt's effort off the woodwork, as Wednesday's 12-match run came to an end at Birmingham City.

Second-half goals from former Wednesday trialist Cameron Jerome and Sebastian Larsson ended the Owls' promotion hopes at St Andrew's on Saturday.

But things could have been oh so different for Wednesday had they turned their possession in to goals - namely Kenny Lunt's efford which cannoned off the crossbar minutes after Steve Bruce's men were reduced to ten men following the sending-off of Fabrice Muamba.

'We are obviously very disappointed to end our great run of form. We knew it was going to be a very tough game, a game of nerves with everything to play for both parties,' Laws told the official SWFC site.

'We have come up against the best in the League but I said to the players each team are going to have their moments. Unfortunately they took their chances and we were not quite as clinical.

'Having said that, we were so much in control of the game that I am sure Steve Bruce will admit that the coat of paint on the crossbar has possibly got them a £40m jackpot. Had that shot from Kenny Lunt have gone in I think I would have been sitting here with a win under our belt.

'A bit of fortune got them the first goal and that gave them a bit of energy. We were in control and Birmingham had the fortune today. We have had it in the past but not today. But I am pleased and proud of the commitment from our players and the supporters must be very proud of them too.'

And although the defeat at St Andrew's left some of the Owls players visibly deflated as their play-off dream came to an end, the Owls boss is keen to carry the superb form in to next season.

He added: 'We have got to look at it as a yardstick for next season and if we add one or two players in the summer we can crack on for next season.'

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.