The moment Hull City figure felt Sheffield Wednesday hopes were 'done' despite fan defiance
Sheffield Wednesday made life difficult for promotion-chasing Hull City on Saturday before the Tigers shone out to the backdrop of yet another defiant away day showing from the Wednesdayites watching on.
A 3-1 defeat further extended a torrid winless run that stretches back to September and took another opportunity away to claw back from their minus-six points table reading and towards the zero-point tally that has become a new target at S6. The circumstances do not lend themselves to a lively away day atmosphere, but once again that was seen on Humberside as Owls fans sang loud and proud with many shirts aloft.
Jamal Lowe continued his improved form in recent weeks to bag his fourth goal of the campaign and give Wednesday the lead, which was levelled-up by Matt Crooks just over a minute later. A strong first half showing saw the away side worthy of an equal scoreline going into the break - though from the moment Hull took the lead just before half-time they seldom lost control of the afternoon.
The latest Championship boss to speak encouragingly about Wednesday - and the competitiveness they have been able to show in matches despite their huge disadvantages - was Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic. For all the battle shown, Wednesday’s first half rally was one he felt confident his side could overcome - stating it was only after their third that he felt things were done and dusted.
“I think they put everything on the pitch because it was not an easy game,” he said. “I expected a tough and demanding match because no one has beaten them easily. They are organised, they're trying to press the ball, press you. The first 20-25 minutes, it was not easy to find gaps between their lines. They were very compact.
“When we conceded this goal (from Lowe), we started to play much faster, much more combination with short passes. Then we equalised 1-1 after 94 seconds.
“The second goal was very important before the break. I just said to the players that without counter-attacks in the second half, we must be very organised with offensive marking because they are very fast in front. Also, be patient on the ball, play around until space will come.
“The third goal, it was everything done. It was a great three points for us, especially when I'm looking now at table points, it's very tough.”
His final word went to the Wednesday supporters, who as on other recent away days were the talking point from an Owls perspective and received generous praise from their Hull counterparts on social media.
“I think they are trying to help their team and their club,” Jakirovic said. “They are trying to support them, no matter home or away, they are great for a club like Sheffield Wednesday.”