Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 Bristol City: Barry Bannan and Lucas Joao strike to dent Robins' play-off ambitions Sheffield overcame Bristol City to move four points from play-off places Lee Johnson's side are now eighth and are two points from sixth place Barry Bannan struck the opener in the first half on his return to starting line-up Sheffield confirmed victory through striker Lucas Joao in the second half By Sportsmail Reporter Published: 16:56 BST, 22 April 2019 | Updated: 17:03 BST, 22 April 2019 Viewcomments Bristol City’s play-off hopes suffered from the brilliance of Barry Bannan at Hillsborough as they fell to a result effectively decided in the first half. The Sheffield Wednesday midfielder produced some wand-like moments to conjure his side a two-goal interval lead. Bannan hit a marvellous long-range opener and set up Lucas Joao for the second. The Robins perked up after the break but Steve Bruce’s side, finishing the season strongly, thoroughly deserved to profit from an accomplished performance all-round. Sheffield Wednesday took the lead through Barry Bannan's effort from distance in the first-half The Owls wrapped up victory through Lucas Joao who struck midway through the second half Lee Johnson’s men had chances but were superbly denied by Cameron Dawson from the biggest. Bristol City started just a point behind sixth-placed Middlesbrough with a game in hand. It’s been a timely run from the Robins - preciously just one defeat in a seven game stretch that included notable wins at Sheffield United and Boro themselves. The play-off rivals started the day with identical goal differences, making things even tighter. Manager Johnson must have thought the omens were good for a return to the steel city where Sheffield Wednesday were left with only pride to play for after their own late play-off push fell short. That said, the Owls’ 2-2 draw at Norwich on Friday was evidence of how they have shaped up under new boss Bruce. And with nine senior contracts up at Hillsborough this summer, there were plenty of incentives for Bruce’s players. One of those - Gary Hooper - had the best early chance, heading over after Tom Lees had nodded back Barry Bannan’s corner. Lucas Joao forced a sharp save from Max O’Leary after cleverly finding a path through the middle. But there was no stopping an absolute screamer from Bannan. He wrapped his left foot around the ball 25 yards out and sent it soaring and curling into the top corner. Bannan was also the inspiration for Wednesday’s second goal, wafting a long pass for Joao to chest down and clip a precise shot over O’Leary. Jay Dasilva tried in vain to hook the ball off the line. Earlier, Dasilva posed City’s main threat. A great run from deep saw him fail with the simple after succeeding with the difficult, firing wide when clear. Then the pacy left back hit a post with a cross. The Robins had more of the ball after the break and substitute Kasey Palmer, on for skipper Bailey Wright in a tactical switch, gave them more creativity. But Wednesday still looked likelier to snatch a killer third goal - until Famara Diedhiou anc Josh Brownhill had big chances I’m quick succession. Cameron Dawson made brilliant stops on each occasion to ensure his side would earn the points. MATCH FACTS SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY: Dawson, Iorfa, Lees, Hector, Lazaar, Reach, Pelupessy, Bannan, Boyd (Forestieri 74), Lucas Joao (Matias 88), Hooper (Onomah 59) GOALS: Bannan 17, Lucas Joao 39 SUBS NOT USED: Fox, Winnall, Nuhiu, Wildsmith, BRISTOL CITY: O'Leary, Kalas, Wright (Palmer 55), Webster, Hunt, Brownhill, Pack (Walsh 83), Dasilva, Weimann, Diedhiou, Eliasson (Semenyo 65) SUBS NOT USED: Baker, Taylor, Kelly, Marinovic, REFEREE: Robert Jones Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility