A Nicky Forster goal on 88 minutes gave Town a first win in six games and completed a first League double of the season for Joe Royle's side.

The 32-year-old striker escaped the Owls' defence and scored from close range after Gavin Williams had fed the ball back into the box following a corner.

Jim Magilton returned to the starting line-up, making his 300^th appearance for Blues, ironically against the club that he left to join Blues in March 1999.

Danny Haynes' reward for his late equaliser against QPR last weekend was his first start in a Town shirt and the young striker made a bright opening, almost getting in on a Sito cross.

Sito breathed a huge sigh of relief seconds later though, his mistake saw Daryl Murphy burst towards goal and round Lewis Price but his first touch took him wide and his shot was cleared comfortably by Richard Naylor.

Williams tested Nicky Weaver in the home goal with a couple of efforts from distance and Dean Bowditch almost got on the end of a Magilton free-kick.

Murphy, who spent a short period on trial at Town last season, before opting for a summer move to Sunderland, carried the main threat for the Owls and had the best effort of the first-half, his shot saved well by Price.

The Welsh international 'keeper did well again to punch clear from Graham Coughlan as he challenged for a Burton O'Brien free-kick.

Chris Brunt replaced David Graham with 40 minutes on the clock and was immediately in the action, his cross almost finding a way through to Lee Peacock.

Forster got his head to a Magilton free-kick but couldn't get enough power on it to beat Weaver then at the other end, Glenn Whelan failed to trouble Price from a good position.

Darren Currie replaced Haynes at the break and his corner caused problems in the Wednesday box, Naylor failing to take advantage as Richard Wood ushered the ball away.

Brunt blasted wide, then Naylor got on the end of a Magilton free-kick, Weaver making a comfortable save.

Town boss Joe Royle introduced Matt Richards and Ian Westlake as substitutes with Bowditch and Magilton making way, Naylor pushing up front to partner Forster with Wilnis moving inside to partner Jason De Vos in the heart of the defence.

Wednesday boss Paul Sturrock made his own change, Chris Eagles coming on and it was from his corner that Wood sent a header goalwards that Price did well to keep out.

The Owls should have been ahead a minute later, Peacock failing to put the ball in the net from four yards, the outstanding De Vos doing well with the challenge.

Currie then sent a free-kick just past the woodwork from 25 yards, the game opening up as it entered the closing 20 minutes.

Richards then put in a terrific cross after a burst down the left, the ball just escaping Naylor before Williams fired high and wide.

The decisive moment came two minutes from time, Williams putting the ball back into the danger area after a corner had been partially cleared and Forster did the rest from close range to register his third goal of the season.

It was enough to give Joe Royle's side the perfect boost ahead of the busy Christmas and New Year programme.