Martin Paterson's first career goal helped the Potters battle to a deserved point at Hillsborough.

The 19-year-old substitute, who earned his chance after Vincent Pericard hobbled off injured early on, netted after 34 minutes before Chris Brunt's penalty four minutes later ensured a quickfire response.

Wednesday applied the early pressure with Marcus Tudgay volleying over from a tight angle and Frank Simek slicing wide.

Darel Russell and Luke Chadwick then both went close for City, midfielder Russell's fierce shot from the edge of the area was only parried by Owls 'keeper Brad Jones and Chadwick dragged the follow-up narrowly wide of goal.

A superb block by Dave Brammer prevented Tudgay capitalising on Steve Simonsen's spill, while the City 'keeper himself kept the scores level moments later with an instinctive save to deny Madjid Bougherra's goalbound header.

But the deadlock was eventually broken eleven minutes before the break as Brammer slipped striker Paterson in behind the home defence and the lively youngster confidently slotted beyond Jones from 14-yards.

However, Wednesday responded swiftly with Simonsen saving Burton O'Brien's shot.

Then, referee Alan Wiley awarded a penalty after the unfortunate Andy Griffin was adjudged to have handled in the area and Brunt sent Simonsen the wrong way from the spot.

The Wednesday winger was at the centre of most of his side's efforts early on in the second-half, sending a speculative volley fizzing over before seeing another fierce effort blocked.

But both goalkeepers were rarely tested as each defence held firm, with a wayward Peter Sweeney free-kick and a weak Carl Hoefkens shot the best of few second-half chances.