BLACKBURN Rovers dropped into the Championship relegation zone after defeat in their basement battle at Sheffield Wednesday this afternoon.

Rovers went ahead in the 12th minute when David Dunn was fouled by Wednesday keeper Chris Kirkland and Jordan Rhodes converted from the spot.

But the hosts equalised eight minutes later as Rovers lost possession in their own half and Jermaine Johnson sidestepped Scott Dann before firing an angled left-foot shot low into the bottom corner.

And it was 2-1 in the 35th minute as Leroy Lita netted from the spot after the controversial award of a penalty.

Greg Sandomierski had come off his line to claim a left-wing cross but a penalty was awarded by the linesman for a push on Lita behind him, to Rovers' bewilderment.

Sandomierski then had to save from Lita to stop Sheffield Wednesday making it 3-1 just before the interval.

Rovers pressed for an equaliser after the interval, with Rhodes heading over from a Dunn cross, and they were back on level terms in the 71st minute when substitute Josh King crossed from the left and centre back Dann headed home at the far post.

But Wednesday went back in front with 12 minutes left as Johnson cut in from the left and drilled a stunning low 25-yard shot past Sandomierski for his second goal of the game.

Defeat saw Rovers slip below Wednesday in the table and into the bottom three, with only six games remaining.

Rovers: Greg Sandomierski; Todd Kane, Scott Dann, Grant Hanley, Josh Morris; Cameron Stewart (Colin Kazim-Richards 56), Lee Williamson (Josh King 63), Jason Lowe, David Jones; David Dunn; Jordan Rhodes. Subs not used: Seb Usai, Gael Givet, Karim Rekik, Morten Gamst Pedersen, Nuno Gomes.

Sheffield Wednesday: Chris Kirkland; Lewis Buxton, Miguel Llera, Anthony Gardner, Reda Johnson; Stuart Holden (Kieran Lee 59), Giles Coke, Seyi Olofinjana, Jeremy Helan; Jermaine Johnson (Chris Maguire 84), Leroy Lita (Steve Howard 70). Subs not used: Stephen Bywater, Martin Taylor, Rhys McCabe, David Prutton.

Referee: Roger East.

Attendance: 24,660