Sheffield Wednesday had one of their greatest nights in recent history on Tuesday evening, as they beat Leeds United in the Carabao Cup second round at Hillsborough.
In front of a near-empty stadium, barring a full away end and a handful of home supporters, Henrik Pedersen’s young team came of age as they held the Premier League side to a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes.
Jamal Lowe forced Karl Darlow to turn the ball into the back of his own net just after the hour mark, giving the Owls the lead. However, former Sheffield United right-back Jayden Bogle equalised 10 minutes from time to take the tie to penalties.
Barry Bannan believes Sheffield Wednesday have an advantage, despite their off-field issues, and they proved that at Hillsborough on Tuesday, impressing Chris Powell.
Chris Powell praises Sheffield Wednesday following penalties victory over Leeds United
Few gave the home team a chance against Leeds, with the Premier League outfit playing a relatively strong starting XI against a very inexperienced Owls side.
Sheffield Wednesday's players celebrate as they win the penalty shoot-out during the English League Cup second round football match between Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United
Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
However, those young Sheffield Wednesday players refused to bow down to their top flight opponents, and took the game to penalties, winning the tie 3-0 in the shootout. It was a result that few saw coming, including Owls favourite Chris Powell.
Speaking on Sky Sports following the match, he said: “I’m amazed, I’m so chuffed for them. It’s just ridiculous what we’ve just witnessed, really. A team that should by rights have no chance, no chance, in this game.
“At 8pm, I’m thinking, if they keep it down to two or three I’ll be happy. But they competed, they grew in stature. I’m lost for words.”
The Owls grew into the game vs Leeds United
There was a huge difference in experience levels between the two teams on Tuesday evening, and this showed in the first half an hour as Leeds dominated the ball and Sheffield Wednesday failed to have a shot.
However, they started to get opportunities as the Whites pushed players up the field, having three shots in the final 15 minutes of the first half.
Stat Sheffield Wednesday Leeds United
Possession 20% 80%
Shots (on target) 6 (2) 25 (7)
xG 0.15 2.75
Big chances (missed) 0 (0) 7 (6)
Passes (Pass accuracy) 97 (57%) 591 (89%)
Saves 6 2
Sheffield Wednesday vs Leeds United stats – FotMob
It was in the 63rd minute when Sheffield Wednesday finally got their chance, as they put Leeds under a huge amount of pressure, with Lowe firing a cross along the floor that was met by Darlow. But, he was unable to control the ball, and it went through his legs into the back of the net.
While the Premier League side did find an equaliser, the Owls showed their mental strength in keeping the game at 1-1, and richly deserved their shootout victory.