Second-half goals from Scott Twine and substitute Sam Bell saw Bristol City strengthen their Championship play-off challenge with a 2-0 victory over bottom club Sheffield Wednesday at Ashton Gate.

The hosts took a 64th-minute lead when Twine rose above the Wednesday defence to powerfully head home Ross McCrorie's driven cross from the right.

Bell doubled the advantage after 78 minutes, shooting home from the edge of the area after fellow replacement Sinclair Armstrong had burst clear of the visiting defence to draw goalkeeper Murphy Cooper off his line and create the chance.

Wednesday skipper Barry Bannan was substituted in the closing stages in what is expected to the long-serving 36-year-old's last appearance for the club. It was an emotional moment as the popular midfielder left the field to handshakes from both teams and applause from both sets of fans.

Image: Sam Bell celebrates after putting Bristol City 2-0 up against Sheffield Wednesday

City made four changes from their midweek defeat at Ipswich, bringing in McCrorie, Jason Knight, Cameron Pring and George Earthy. Wednesday replaced the injured Yan Valery with Charlie McNeil and named Bannan in the starting line-up, despite widespread transfer...