Ross McCrorie snatched a late equaliser as Bristol City ruined Sheffield Wednesday's hopes of claiming victory at Hillsborough.

The 26-year-old scored his first Championship goal of the season after nodding home in the 86th minute, following good work by Mark Sykes and Luke McNally.

Wednesday looked to be heading for victory following Di'Shon Bernard's 53rd-minute strike, just after Nahki Wells had levelled for the visitors.

The hosts had earlier opened the scoring through livewire forward Djeidi Gassama, who scored his fifth goal of the season and was a persistent menace, especially during the first half.

But McCrorie grabbed the vital leveller - and the Robins almost snatched all three points in the 90th minute when Sam Bell's shot struck the bar.

The result leaves both clubs level on 38 points, four points off the play-off places, with Bristol City ninth and Wednesday 11th.

It took just 16 minutes for the hosts to take the initiative, thanks to a lovely move that unlocked the Bristol City defence.

Josh Windass released Yan Valery down the Owls' right, with his low cross being converted into the bottom corner by Gassama.

Within five minutes, Gassama had almost turned goal provider, when he worked a pass to Barry Bannan, only for the Wednesday skipper to see his curling shot saved by Max O'Leary.

The Robins soon asked questions of their own as Scott Twine's shot was deflected away for a corner and the resulting delivery was met by centre-back Rob Dickie, who was unable to keep his effort on target.

Wednesday pushed for a second goal late on during the half.

Ike Ugbo could only watch in frustration as his shot was blocked, following brilliant work by Gassama. And Gassama went close himself deep into injury time, only to see his shot saved by O'Leary.

Yet it was the visitors who were to strike next, with Wells levelling in the 51st minute. Dickie released Sykes down City's right and his cross was nodded home at the far post by the veteran Robins forward.

Wednesday's response was immediate, with the hosts restoring their lead two minutes later as ex-Manchester United defender Bernard struck a lovely shot into the bottom corner to convert Bannan's cross.

But the Owls were denied their victory late on. Sykes' cross was headed into the box by McNally, with McCrorie pouncing to secure a point for the Robins.

Liam Manning's men almost took home all three points but Bell's shot struck the bar and bounced away from danger.

Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl to BBC Radio Sheffield:

"If you're leading two times at home, then you want to win the game. The first half was good. We were the better team. They got an equaliser in the second half but we came straight back – it was a good reaction.

"But the last 40 minutes was too passive. And, I must say, our strength in the past was the impact we made with the subs. Today, we didn't do that.

"I had a feeling at half-time that I would take a 1-0 win and no entertainment in the second half. That's our problem. We had this against Millwall too. This is our issue and we have to find a solution for this.

"It's about running, closing down, doing all the right things, and I take the responsibility for the last 40 minutes that I couldn't help the team on the pitch. I am disappointed for the result, but also for my decisions."

Bristol City boss Liam Manning to BBC Radio Bristol:

"I'm probably slightly frustrated. First half, there wasn't much in it - we lacked a bit of belief and purpose. But, on a tough pitch, it was a fairly even first half.

"We spoke about our mindset at half-time; to play forward, run forward, and we scored a fantastic goal, and then got hit by a sucker-punch.

"But I thought we responded terrifically. There was some outstanding stuff from us on a tough pitch. I really enjoyed our second half.

"We wanted to grab an opportunity and take it to the opposition. Not many teams will dominate like we did in the second half and we could have nearly nicked it at the end. Ultimately, we've taken a point and come away with something."