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BRISTOL CITY 2 SHEFF UTD 3 - MATCH REPORT
IT HAD stood for 11 long months and 19 matches, so it was always going to take something special to shatter Bristol City's remarkable unbeaten league record at Ashton Gate.
But a first hat-trick of his professional career enabled Darius Henderson to oblige and play an impeccable lead during 95 minutes of footballing theatre.
The Sheffield United striker sealed victory with almost the last kick of the game after Alvaro Saborio's injury-time effort appeared to have secured Gary Johnson's team a share of the spoils.
It prompted Kevin Blackwell, United's jubilant manager, to describe Henderson as the most dangerous forward in the division.
On Saturday's form, it is difficult to disagree.
Henderson, however, was in no mood to bask in the limelight, preferring instead to consider the possible implications a second successive win could have on the visitors' season.
"We're just looking to progress," he said. "I'm delighted to finally do it and it's been a long time coming.
"But ultimately the most important thing is the result, not who scores, and we've got a very important one here.
"Not many people come to this place and leave with something to show because it's a very hostile atmosphere.
"We've done it, though, and now we've got a chance to kick-on.
"That's the only thing I'm really bothered about.
"Don't get me wrong, I'm chuffed to bits to get three and I've gone through all sorts of emotions out there, but what makes me happiest is that we've done the business."
Given the demands of Championship competition, Henderson's blue-collar credentials will underpin United's attempts to claw themselves back into top-six contention over the crucial Christmas period.
But the 28 year-old also displayed a subtle side to his character as he took his tally for the season to 10.
The shots which thrust United into a seemingly unassailable half-time lead were typically thunderous and emphatic.
But Henderson's third and - given the ominous nature of City's comeback - most important conversion of a memorable afternoon demonstrated his appreciation of geometry and placement.
Even Blackwell, arguably the former Watford forward's most ardent fan, admitted the angle he faced when Kyel Reid's blocked drive rebounded at his feet was too acute to suggest a finish.
"I didn't think Darius would be able to squeeze the ball between the keeper and the post," the United manager admitted.
"I thought it was going to fly across the face of the goal but fortunately it didn't.
"It just goes to show that he's not all about strength and power.
"Yes, Darius is a superb target man. But he's got plenty of other attributes to.
"It's tough for Darius because he takes a massive battering off defenders every time he sets foot on the pitch.
"But he's shown that he's got a great touch and can be really creative too.
"He doesn't always get the acknowledgement or appreciation he deserves."
That situation is likely to change following his exploits here, but Henderson was not United's only impressive performer.
Jamie Ward threatened along both flanks, Nick Montgomery and Lee Williamson delivered tireless shifts in midfield while, between the posts, Carl Ikeme made several crucial saves on his debut after signing on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
"It was a tough choice because Mark Bunn has done really well," Blackwell said, referring to the youngster's penalty save against Peterborough last weekend.
"But Carl showed some very good attributes."
City started brightly and were actually in the ascendancy when United took the lead.
Ward's cross saw Williamson challenge City goalkeeper Dean Gerken and when the ball bounced loose Henderson rammed it home.
Confusion followed when referee Andy Hall, having first appeared to rule it out, pointed to the centre-spot after consulting with his assistant.
There were no doubts about the second when Jamie McCombe, a boyhood Sheffield Wednesday fan, presented Ward with another opportunity to pick out Henderson.
Louis Carey served notice of City's intentions when he met Paul Hartley's free-kick to reduce the deficit soon after the restart and this intriguing tussle exploded into life in stoppage time when, with barely 60 seconds remaining, Saborio restored parity.
But, as City prepared to celebrate a draw, Henderson had other ideas.
"Twice we conceded because of mistakes," Johnson said.
"It was a killer to lose so late after working so hard.
"As a performance it was okay, probably one of our better ones in fact, but any good feeling is taken away when you lose like that."
Boss's view
The emotions were going up and down. Everyone inside the stadium will have run the entire gamut out there.
Only football can do that to you. Everything changed within the space of a minute. Amazing.
What do you think? Add your comments below.
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Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
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Cloudy
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
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