So it’s the play-offs. In all likelihood, the task was always likely to be a case of building momentum ahead of what is to come. And Sheffield Wednesday did that at Shrewsbury Town, registering a 3-0 win thanks to a hat-trick from top scorer Michael Smith.
The big man produced the full offering of what he does best; a curling effort first half, a customary header and a composed finish rounding-off the trio.
There were strong performances in defence, busy performances elsewhere.
Indeed, the win took Wednesday to within a point of their highest-ever tally in their 156-year history. But they’ll continue to fight for promotion from League One via the play-offs after Plymouth and Ipswich did enough elsewhere.
Here are our player ratings from New Meadow.
Indeed, the win took Wednesday to within a point of their highest-ever tally in their 156-year history. But they’ll continue to fight for promotion from League One via the play-offs after Plymouth and Ipswich did enough elsewhere.
5. Dennis Adeniran - 6
Buzzed about and offered energy but in all honesty did not have a great deal of impact on the game. Subbed in a re-shuffle with 15 left. Photo: UGC/Steve Ellis
Yeah, solid. Moved the ball well and was resolute. His shot 10 minutes into the second half caused problems for Marosi most of the time it was in the air but the keeper recovered to bat away. Photo: UGC/Steve Ellis
In and about it as always, though his high standards on the ball dipped a touch in the first half. Forced a good early save from distance with the ball wobbling in the air and got better as the game went on with some nice wee touches and grabbed yet another assist for Smith’s third. Photo: UGC/Steve Ellis
Saw loads and loads of the ball wide left particularly in the first half but aside from a couple of good moves it seemed his afternoon was going to be a frustrating one with his radar more than just a little off-colour. That was until his deft dink for Smith’s second. Photo: UGC/Steve Ellis