Sheffield Wednesday has pulled off the biggest comeback in League One playoff history against Peterborough United. On Thursday night, the Yorkshire soccer team rebounded from a 4-0 deficit, ultimately securing a ticket to the final with a 5-1 win via penalty shootout.
“It’s not quite sunk in yet,” said Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore, who suffered racist abuse during last Friday’s first leg. “I’m just pleased for us all that—when we all stick together—what can be achieved has only been achieved tonight by us all sticking together.”
Sheffield Wednesday fans likely felt it was all over last week when they lost the first leg of the playoff semi-final 4-0 away from home. However, Michael Smith, Lee Gregory, and Reece James began the stunning comeback by scoring the opening three on Thursday night. Despite the 3-0 scoreline, the dream was seconds from ending in injury time when Liam Palmer scored a 90’+8′ goal to level the tie 4-4 on aggregate.
the ominous ambiance of nail-biting and clenched teeth
In extra time, the comeback kids once again seemed out of luck when Gregory put the ball into his own net in the 105th minute. Callum Peterson made up for this with a goal in the 112th minute, sending the match to penalties. With the ominous ambiance of nail-biting and clenched teeth, Sheffield Wednesday won the shootout 5-3 thanks to Peterborough’s Dan Butler hitting the bar.
The win puts the club through to the playoff final against the winner of Bolton and Barnsley, who drew 1-1 in their first leg last week. The final will be held on Monday, May 29.