Sheffield Wednesday’s improbable dream of surviving in the Championship is more alive than ever after victory at Blackburn on Sunday.
The battling win sees the Owls exit the relegation zone for the first time since the season’s opening day and was defined by two calamitous errors from Blackburn’s goalkeeper Aynsley Pears that ultimately proved the difference between the two teams.
Over 7000 Wednesday fans made the trip to Ewood Park and were treated to goals from Josh Windass, Marvin Johnson and a bizarre own goal from Pears which elevated the side to 21st on 47 points, one point ahead of Birmingham City with just two games to play.
Wednesday manager Danny Rohl praised the travelling support after the game, saying: “It was a great performance from everyone on and off the pitch, our supporters managed to turn an away game into a home game and it was great to see.”
Wednesday took the lead after six minutes when a headed clearance from Pears well outside his box put the Rovers defence under unnecessary pressure, with Josh Windass capitalising on a loose ball to audaciously chip the backtracking Pears from 30 yards.
Blackburn responded just three minutes later through the inevitable Sammie Szmodics after a volleyed through ball from Callum Brittain put the striker through on goal, with Owls keeper James Beadle unable to prevent the Irishman’s powerful effort into the bottom left corner.
Injuries then threatened to hamper Wednesday’s chances of leaving Blackburn with points, with centre-back Michael Ihiekwe forced off with a leg injury after 15 minutes, and his replacement Bambo Diaby also having to be substituted after injuring his nose ten minutes into the second half.
However, the ever-present tenacity that has kept the Owls’ season afloat came to the fore after 58 minutes when Will Vaulks dispossessed the Blackburn midfield and kickstarted a counter-attack, with Ike Ugbo driving forward confidently and laying the ball off to the marauding Anthony Musaba on the right.
Musaba’s low cross picked out Marvin Johnson at the back post who could not miss from close range to give the visitors the lead.
Wednesday’s third goal came from the unlikeliest of sources as Pears inexplicably sliced a pass from his team-mate over his shoulder and into his own net to make it 3-1 shortly after.
Blackburn seemed certain of pulling a goal back when Szmodics was again put through on goal by Brittain, but the league’s top scorer was unable to add to his season tally of 25 as he blasted the ball over the bar from 10 yards out.
While Wednesday’s performance was deserving of the result, they will also relish their slice of luck in a season where off-field issues have plagued their campaign, with supporters protesting against the club’s ownership under Dejphon Chansiri.
Captain Barry Bannan, who was making his 400th appearance for the club, said: “This is part one of three massive games. We can’t get carried away, it’s a good away result but we need to refocus, we’re not over the line yet.”
The Owls will now prepare for a tough home contest with 5th-placed West Bromwich Albion as they bid to preserve their position of 21st in the final weeks of their season.
Blackburn must also avoid being dragged into the relegation fight with this weekend’s defeat leaving John Eustace’s side 19th on 49 points, three points above the drop.
