Lee Gregory’s second-half strike gave Wednesday a much-needed win at home to Bolton this afternoon.
Gregory grabbed the all-important goal on 66 minutes, turning home Jack Hunt’s driven low cross from close range and in true poacher style.
The victory lifts us to ninth place, one point from the play-off positions, and while it wasn’t the most convincing performance as an in-form Bolton side dominated possession, it was a win that will hopefully lift the confidence of the side after registering just one victory in our previous six league matches.
Loanee defender Lewis Gibson almost gifted Bolton a very early goal when he got caught in possession, ex-Owl Elias Kachunga crossed the ball but Eoin Doyle failed to make contact in front of goal.
The visitors continued to look the more likely to score as the half progressed although Wednesday produced the best moment of the first 45, Gregory’s header from Barry Bannan’s cross being tipped over the bar by keeper Joel Dixon.
Joe Wildsmith made an excellent stop from Doyle soon after the restart but it was Wednesdsy who broke the deadlock at the other end midway through the half when Gregory struck from Hunt’s assist.
Former Hillsborough favourite Kieran Lee, who received a warm reception from the S6 crowd, continued to be an influence in midfield as Bolton chased an equaliser.
However, Liam Palmer produced a block to stop a Doyle effort and then Jaden Brown denied Oladapo Afolayan to ensure all three points for the Owls.
Wildsmith, Hunt, Iorfa, Gibson (Dunkley 46), Palmer, Hutchinson (Adeniran 46), Bannan, Brown (Shodipo 73), Berahino, Paterson, Gregory. Unused subs: Render, Corbeanu, Kamberi, Wing. Att: 23,692.