Massive achievement in front of a massive crowd for a massive club

Last updated : 07 May 2012 By C. Morris

It’s been a buzzword for Wednesday fans this season and one that seems to wind up their near neighbours, which of course is all the more reason to use it more.

Saturday afternoon truly was A MASSIVE occasion for Sheffield Wednesday Football club.

In front of a crowd of over 38,000 fans, Dave Jones’ side deservedly beat Wycombe 2-0 and with that victory, their 11th in a 14-game unbeaten run, they clinched 2nd place in the final League One table and with it secured their return to the Championship.

Few would have thought it possible back in mid-February when, ahead of the steel city derby at Hillsborough, Wednesday trailed their bitter rivals by 5 points and had played 2 games more.

Chris O’Grady’s 2nd half goal gave Wednesday a well warranted victory in that Sheffield show down which raised the spirits but even then the Blades appeared to have what seemed a healthy cushion.

Chairman Milan Mandaric took the decision to part company with manager Gary Megson following that game. At the time it was unpopular decision that divided opinion. Having replaced a Wednesdayite at the helm new boss Dave Jones had to hit the ground running – the rest is history.

A 4-1 win in his first home game in charge signalled the intent, Wednesday were set to play a more open, attacking style of football in the run-in and they reaped their rewards. In the 12 matches Wednesday have placed since Jones took full charge they have won 10 and drawn 2, scoring 26 times and conceding just 7.

The pressure that the Owls applied to their rivals was relentless and as the finishing line approached their rivals faltered. The Blades lost at MK Dons on the same day that Wednesday beat Carlisle at Hillsborough thanks to a 96th minute winner. The gap had closed but with 2 games to go the ball was still in Utd’s court. Wednesday won at Brentford to pile the pressure on the Blades tea time televised home kick off against Stevenage. There were clearly nerves both on and off the pitch, the visitors took a 2-0 lead early in the 2nd half and despite a spirited comeback to draw 2-2 the sense was that they had missed their boat.

Wednesday moved into the driving seat with 1 game to go. The build up seemed to last forever. All the positive talk was of a promotion party with a capacity crowd set to enjoy a day to remember. Special edition programmes were produced, inflatables and fancy dress were the order of the day, the club provided face painting and plans were made for post-match celebrations.

Were we setting ourselves up for a massive fall? Not a chance! Wednesday played with authority throughout the game and goals in each half from Antonio and Ranger sealed the deal.