Sheffield Wednesday have ended their run of seven consecutive Championship defeats with a 1-0 win over fellow strugglers Barnsley in the Yorkshire derby.
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The hosts were the first to test the opposition keeper when Stephen Dawson's well-struck effort stung the palms of Chris Kirkland.
Gary Madine had Wednesday's first good chance when he latched on to Chris Lines's free kick, but the striker could only glance his header wide.
The Owls took the lead in the 35th minute when Lewis Buxton's cross floated over Luke Steele, allowing Chris O'Grady to turn it in at the back post.
Barnsley almost grabbed an equaliser before the interval when Marcus Tudgay headed towards goal, but his effort was too high to trouble Kirkland.
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The hosts came within inches of drawing level six minutes into the second half when a free kick had to be cleared off the line by Miguel Llera.
O'Grady then almost provided an assist to go with his earlier goal, crossing to Madine, who saw his header saved by Steele.
Barnsley piled the pressure on Wednesday in the closing stages, and almost forced an equaliser with five minutes to go, but this time David Prutton was there to clear an effort off the line.
Wednesday held out for the victory to lift them off the bottom of the Championship table, while Barnsley remain 22nd, now level on points with today's opponents.
Barney Corkhill
