Sheffield Wednesday lift the play-off trophy after beating Barnsley in the final seconds of the game, hailed as one of the greatest play-off campaigns of all time[1]
Sheffield Wednesday finished the regular 2022-23 season in third place, finishing on 96 points, 2 points behind runners-up Ipswich town. They finished 10 points above Barnsley, who finished the season in fourth place. Both were hence consigned to the play-offs.
Wednesday were drawn against sixth placed Peterborough United, who had finished in the play-offs on the final matchday due to Wednesday's victory over Derby County at Hillsborough. Despite an early chance from Wednesday striker Micheal Smith, Peterborough were ultimately dominant within the first leg at London Road, winning the game 4-0 thanks to goals from Jack Taylor, Joe Ward, Kwame Poku and Jonson Clarke-Harris.[4] Despite Wednesday's toothless performance in the first leg, Wednesday were able to revert their fortunes in the second leg. In a game dubbed "The miracle of Hillsborough" by the club itself,[5] Wednesday were able to score 4 goals in normal time, taking the game to Extra time. Despite conceding an own goal in the first half of extra-time after a free kick was diverted off of the head of Lee Gregory into the net, Wednesday were able to equalise once more due to a goal from striker Callum Patterson, with the game finishing 5-5 on aggregate. Wednesday were then victorious in the penalty shootout, booking their second ever visit to the new Wembley stadium and confirming their participation in their third play-off final.[6][7][8]
Barnsley's play-off semi final was far less eventful. They faced Bolton Wanderers at the Toughsheet community stadium (or University of Bolton stadium, as it was then known) in the first leg on May 13 2023. After a goalless first half, Barnsley were able to take the lead due to a goal from Nicky Cadden, but the hosts equalised four minutes later after a goal from Dion Charles.[9] The game finished 1-1 and the two sides went into the second leg at Oakwell on level terms on May 19, a game which was decided by a 24th minute goal by Liam Kitching,[10] with Barnsley qualifying for their 4th play-off final[11]
The match kicked off at 3PM[12] to a crowd 72,492, 44,000 of those Wednesday fans[13] and hence approximately 28,000 Barnsley supporters. The first half proved to be rather uneventful, however very soon into the second half, two controversial decisions occurred that have been a point of contention amongst Barnsley fans. The first, a challenge by Lee Gregory on Liam Kitching in the penalty box, which was reviewed by VAR and deemed not to be a penalty. The second, the sending off of Adam Phillips due to a sliding challenge on Lee Gregory.[14] Despite Wednesday's advantage due to this decision, the two South Yorkshire sides were still level by the end of normal time, although Barnsley had come close to a goal after Nicky Cadden's volley deflected off of the head of Kitching, hitting the crossbar.[14]
In extra-time, Wednesday was close to taking the lead after a close ranged shot from Wednesday striker Smith was saved by Harry Isted. Barnsley themselves came close to taking the lead a few minutes later, with Luca Connell six yards from the net but was ultimately unable to convert.[14] Wednesday believed they had taken the lead a few minutes later following a strike from Will Vaulks into the back of the net, but this was ruled offside by the linesman.[15]
The deciding goal would finally come in the 120+3rd minute, with Josh Windass heading the ball past Isted to secure Wednesday's position in the EFL Championship for the first time since 2021[14]
Post-match
Reactions
Wednesday manager Darren Moore told Sky sports that he was "really pleased for everyone connected with the club".
Dean Windass, the father of Josh, who, in 2008, scored a goal in similar circumstances for Hull city against Bristol City in the Championship play-off final[16] emphasised how proud he was, stating "There's no words, there's no words. Wow. I knew he'd score, this morning when I woke up at 5.30 I was nervous and even with his head as well - I can't believe he's headed it."[14]
However, Barnsley manager Micheal Duff, stated his belief that Gregory's challenge on Kitching constituted a penalty and Phillips' challenge only a booking.[14]
Celebrations
Sheffield Wednesday fans outside Sheffield town hall celebrating their promotion. Photo by De6strrrrr.
On May 31 2023 Sheffield Wednesday hosted a victory parade to celebrate their promotion. The players were upon an open top bus which left Devonshire Green at 17:30 and arrived at the town hall at 18:30.[17] Upon arriving at the town hall, Wednesday players, staff and even owner Deijphon Chansiri thanked fans for their support[18]
