ROVERS' reserves snatched a dramatic equaliser last night as an Alan Morgan effort, that clipped Craig Hignett on it's way in, produced a late leveller and secured a hard-earned point for Alan Murray's men in a 2-2 draw at Sheffield Wednesday.

And but for some late heroics by Owls keeper Chris Stringer, the visitors may even have pulled off a late victory as Egil Ostenstad and Paul Gallagher were both denied in the closing stages.

Midfielder Hignett made a welcome return from injury after recovering from a broken leg and there was also run-outs for fellow first teamers Ostenstad and Nissa Johansson.

But despite their presence in Murray's starting line-up, Rovers twice had to come from behind against a determined Wednesday outfit.

The home side took the lead in the 23rd minute when striker Grant Holt headed home a Jon Beswetherick corner after a slick move involving Shefki Kuqi, Simon Donnelly and Beswetherick ended in the Finn's shot being pushed behind.

But Rovers then responded with a couple of efforts of their own as Stringer saved well from Gallagher and the Owls keeper then held on to a Morgan blockbuster.

Stringer was powerless to prevent the visitors from levelling three minutes after the interval, however, as Ostenstad showed great composure to round the keeper and score.

Holt had a header saved from Ryan Green's centre as Kieron Renton excelled in turning his powerful effort around the post.

But Wednesday's pressure finally told and they regained the lead when defender Richard Wood arrowed a right-footer into the far corner from Lewis McMahon's lay-off with 14 minutes remaining.

Rovers were not to be denied, however, and they got back on level terms again in the closing stages.

Stringer failed to clear the danger as his weak punch dropped kindly for Academy product Morgan and the youngster then steadied his aim before driving the ball in and a deflection off Hignett sent the ball beyond Stringer.

Even then, the visitors had chances to steal all three points but Stringer redeemed himself with two smart saves to deny Ostenstad and Gallagher in a frantic finale.

SHEFF WED RES 2 ROVERS RES 2

Sheffield Wednesday: Stringer; Crane, Haslam (Lowe 75), Wood; Green, McMahon, J Shaw, Beswetherick; S Donnelly; Kuqi (Smith 65), Holt (Di Piedi 84). Unused subs: Poulter, Hill.

Rovers: Renton, Bruce, McEveley (Pelzer 79), Hignett, Fitzgerald, Johansson, C Donnelly (Harkins 72), Danns, Gallagher, Ostenstad, Morgan. Subs not used: Black, Taylor, Johnson.