Story of the match
Garry Monk’s side started the game the brighter and went close early on when Massimo Luongo’s strike deflected wide from just outside the area, the Australian threatened Brice Samba’s goal later in the half when he volleyed inches over the crossbar.
The home sides greatest chance of the opening 45 minutes fell to Jordan Rhodes, who scored a first half hat-trick in the reverse fixture at The City Ground. Rhodes pondered on Barry Bannan’s defence splitting through ball and was unable to beat the onrushing Samba.
Wickham was next to go close when his header from Kieran Lee’s cross was blocked on the line by Tobias Figueiredo.
Sabri Lamouchi’s outfit slowly grew into the game, their best chances of the half came when Joe Lolley fired narrowly over the crossbar from a free-kick 25 yards from goal and Lewis Grabban headed straight into Joe Wildsmith’s grasp on the 44th minute mark.
After the break The Owls let a gilt-edged chance pass them by. Wickham beat Samba in the air from Jacob Murphy’s searching cross, but the ball cannoned back off the woodwork and Lee’s follow up effort was blocked by the outstretched boot of Joe Worrall.
Minutes later Lolley made Wednesday rue missed chances, he got in behind Moses Odubajo and coolly slotted home past Joe Wildsmith on 69 minutes. Lolley then set his sights on wrapping up the points, his 30 yard dipping strike was parried behind by Wildsmith.
Just as an equaliser began to look unlikely Alessio De Cruz whipped in a fierce corner that was bulleted home into the top corner by Wickham, ecstatic to finally get off the mark.
Takeaways from the match
Wickham finally gets off the mark
The relief etched on the frontman’s face was clear for all to see, after his severe injury problems over the last few years he needs to reignite his career and can only do that by finding the back of the net.
At one stage, after having a header cleared off the line before he hit the upright, it did not appear to be his day, but his patience paid off. This goal is something he can build on and find the target more often in the remaining games of this season.
Steven Fletcher picks up injury
The Owls top goalscorer only joined the action as a 68th minute substitute and picked up what Monk has said is a hamstring injury.
Depending on the severity of the injury and the Scotsman’s contract negotiations, that could be his last appearance in a Wednesday shirt; as things stand his contract runs out at the end of the month.
Alex Hunt impresses in cameo role
The young midfielder made an instant impact when he entered the fray in the 83rd minute, the positivity in his passes was refreshing and he was instrumental in getting Wednesday their all-important corner in the dying embers of the contest.
Rated very highly by Bannan, the 20-year-old can go from strength to strength and could play a key part in the reminder of the campaign.
Stand-out performer – Joe Lolley
A bright spark for the visitors throughout, he went close from his first-half free kick. Then in the second half he brought the ball under his spell perfectly to stride beyond Odubajo and then his finish was precise. He then had the confidence to strike from 30 yards in an attempt to put the game beyond doubt.
Up next for both
The Owls head to Ashton Gate next Sunday at noon to face Bristol City. Meanwhile, Forest host Huddersfield Town also on Sunday at 2:15PM.