How epic play-off comeback against Peterborough United inspired Sheffield Wednesday to win against West Brom
The Owls beat West Brom 2-1 on the final day of the Championship season
Sheffield Wednesday’s epic play-off comeback against Peterborough United three years ago played a part in inspiring them to a first home win against West Brom.
Known as the ‘Miracle of Hillsborough’, Wednesday kicked towards the Kop in the first-half and used the electric atmosphere to race into a two-goal lead before going on to complete the greatest ever comeback in play-off history after losing the first leg 4-0.
Although it was a very different scenario on Saturday, Liam Palmer used his experience of that famous night to give The Owls the best possible chance of getting a first home win on the last day of the season and just a second victory overall. And it worked a treat as goals from Nathaniel Chalobah and Palmer put Wednesday two goals to the good at the break.
He explained: “We had a normal week with the same kind of structure but that added element of the energy and kind of playing up to the crowd and using that good feeling that was there today. Luckily, my plan was to turn the boys around and shoot towards the Kop like against Peterborough and get that fast start. So that was good, nice to get the two goals, and we went in at half time in a really comfortable position.”
A crowd of 33,750 - the biggest attendance for any Championship game this season - roared Wednesday to a victory in front of new owners Arise Capital Partners, who took to the pitch before kick-off to a standing ovation and rapturous applause. Supporters had been encouraged to get in the ground early and they created a party atmosphere which intensified when it was announced that Wednesday would not be starting next season with a points deduction. Just like against Peterborough, the fans were in good voice well before the match got underway.
“It is strange having minus three points and that kind of full house, that atmosphere before kick-off, not probably seen that kind of atmosphere since the Peterborough game really,” Palmer added. “To kind of play our part in today as players, obviously the fans came in their numbers, new owners here, we were keen to send everybody away with a positive feeling, start of a new era, and luckily we managed to do that.”