Sheffield Wednesday boosted their Championship play-off hopes as Michael Smith's goal secured a hard-fought victory at Swansea City.

Substitute Smith produced a cool first-time finish as Wednesday took full advantage after Harry Darling's misplaced pass was picked off by Josh Windass.

Smith's eighth goal of the season - and his third in his Wednesday's past four games - was enough to settle a game of few clear-cut chances.

Swansea kept plugging away, with Jay Fulton thinking he had equalised with almost the last kick of the night only for the offside flag to save the Owls.

Away league victory number seven of the season sees Dany Rohl's Wednesday move to within two points of the top six having won for just the second time in their past seven league games.

But this was another dispiriting night for Swansea, who failed to build on their weekend win at Bristol City as they suffered a third successive home defeat.

It is now six losses in the past eight league games for Luke Williams' team, who are eight points above the relegation places in 17th.

Swansea have laboured at times on their own ground this season, and it was a similar story despite the shot in the arm delivered by their victory at Ashton Gate.

The lack of firepower which has been a long-standing issue was summed up during a first half in which Swansea managed only one effort on goal, a 25-yard half-volley from Zan Vipotnik which sailed harmlessly over the bar.

Swansea huffed and puffed, but Wednesday carried greater threat almost throughout.

Ike Ugbo thought for a moment he was through on goal early on only for a recovery challenge from Darling – who was back in action after a three-match ban – to save Swansea.

The most presentable chance of a forgettable first half fell to Josh Windass, who was picked out by Yan Valery on the edge of the area, but dragged his shot a yard wide.

James Beadle was called into action for almost the only time early in the second period, the Wednesday keeper getting down to smother Myles Peart-Harris' header after a measured cross from Ronald.

Swansea were playing with more intent at that point, yet Wednesday seized the initiative.

There was a warning sign for Swansea when substitute Stuart Armstrong's 20-yard effort was grasped by the diving Lawrence Vigouroux.

The goal came directly after Darling's attempted pass to Hannes Delcroix, with Windass squaring for Smith to steer home with almost his first touch since coming on to the pitch.

Wednesday were denied the chance to double their lead when Ibrahim Cissoko went down under Lewis O'Brien's challenge and the referee pointed for a corner rather than a penalty, while Windass saw another effort saved by Vigouroux.

That set up a grandstand finish, with Fulton poking in from close range after Darling headed the ball goalwards only for the assistant referee's flag to cut short home celebrations.

Swansea head coach Luke Williams:

"It was quite a dull game. There wasn't too much going on out there.

"Ultimately it was a bit of an error that cost us and we were nowhere clinical enough at the other end of the pitch.

"We got into a very good positions, we put balls into the box, but I think we made one first contact from a cross. It's not enough.

"We have to keep trying to find the balance between attacking and defending effectively.

"At 0-0 we looked fairly solid, we didn't give up big chances. If you draw the game it's a very different feeling, but then the game got away from us and we couldn't find a way back in."

Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl:

"I think the win was fully deserved, especially second half we had a lot of good pressing moments.

"We were very compact, good pressing and in the right moment we scored.

"The game management, we learned from the West Brom game, especially the last four or five minutes.

"When a home team has just four shots, I think it shows a lot about how we pressed as a group. This is how we have to play – a clean sheet always gives us the opportunity to win games."