Late, late drama and controversy punctuated a pulsating contest as Cardiff beat Wednesday by the odd goal in three.

When Barry Bannan cancelled out Ike Ugbo’s second half opener, it seemed the Owls' first point of the season was on the board.

But deep into added time, substitute Will Vaulks was adjudged to have handled in the box and Ryan Wintle scored from the spot to send Wednesday home pointless.

It was the Owls’ best performance of the season so far overall, though, and Xisco’s side certainly did not deserve to lose in such circumstances.

In truth, the game could have gone either way. A lively opening saw attacking intent from both sides - Manolis Siopis dragged wide for the hosts, while ex-Bluebird Callum Paterson and Bambo Diaby went close for the Owls.

There was nothing clear cut, though, until the 29th minute when Cardiff should have taken the lead.

Perry Ng ran into space down the right and sent an inviting cross into the path of the onrushing Yakou Meite, who somehow planted his header wide of the post.

Back came Wednesday and Juan Delgado smashed a long ranger over the bar and Paterson saw a fierce volley deflected off course just before the break.

But straight after half time, on 48 minutes, it was Cardiff who made the breakthrough. A deep cross from the right and nod back across goal caught Wednesday cold and Ugbo was on hand to thump home from close range.

It was hard on the Owls following an encouraging first half performance but it was almost compounded three minutes later.

Joe Ralls sent Callum O’Dowda bearing down on goal and Wednesday were grateful to the outrushing Devis Vasquez for dealing with the danger.

Cardiff keeper Jak Alnwick then excelled, stretching acrobatically to tip a Josh Windass header over the crossbar.

That triggered a spell of real Owls pressure and only desperate defending kept the lead intact.

But with 14 minutes to go, the resistance gave in as Wednesday levelled.

Bannan took possession 20 yards out, looked up, and picked his spot in trademark style to give the diving Alnwick no chance.

There seemed only one winner from that juncture and Windass slashed wide after taking advantage of a defensive mix-up.

The Owls finished the stronger but then came that decisive moment of drama. Vaulks flung himself to divert a Ng cross and the referee saw a handball.

Wintle did the necessaries from the spot, Wednesday were distraught, and the hunt for that elusive first point continues.

Wednesday: Vaquez, Paterson, Palmer, M Diaby, Bernard, Delgado (86), Bannan, Byers (Vaulks 62), Windass, Gregory (Bakinson 90+2), Smith (Fletcher 62)