A deficit that looked somehow impossible just a couple of weeks ago has been cut to three and a fan base falling into the arms of doubt are believers once again. An Ike Ugbo double was the difference in a hard-fought win that featured a number of bright performances.
If this trio of matches in the next 10 days proves to be the king-maker in Wednesday's bid to stay in the division, it's the first hurdle skipped over.
Here are our ratings from a battle against Bristol City.
5. Pol Valentin - 8
A constant buzzing bee down the right. Drifted in, bombed on. He's settling into life at S6 tremendously well. But for a dodgy touch or two he could have easily nabbed his first Owls goal as he kept popping up in the front line. A real threat, fast becoming a fan favourite. Off late. | Ellis / UGC
6. Will Vaulks - 7
Went about his business with no fuss and did his bit. Displayed decent distribution from midfield - one outside-the-foot swaz wide was particularly filthy. His block with 15-odd to go was vital. Would fancy having a couple of shooting opportunities back again. | UGC / Getty
7. Barry Bannan - 7
Patient on the ball. Didn't have everything his own way but produced a couple of classy moments. Defends with the veracity of a whisk in a power surge. Put in another big shift. | UGC / Steve Ellis
8. Ian Poveda - 8
A delight to watch. Does the occasional thing on the ball that shouldn't be shown pre-watershed. He's no circus act either, putting in the work going the other way. | UGC / Steve Ellis