Josh Windass ensured it was a Happy New Year for Sheffield Wednesday by scoring an incredible goal in their 4-2 win over Derby County.
The Owls had taken the lead in eight minutes through Barry Bannan, but could not add to their advantage in the first half.
Then, just after the hour mark, Windass, the son of former Premier League star Dean Windass, took center stage at Hillsborough.
After Sheffield Wednesday cleared their lines following a Derby cross into the box, the ball dropped to Windass around 15 yards inside his half. He took a touch to get the ball out of his feet and then let it fly from fully 60 yards out.
The 30-year-old had spotted that Derby goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom was off his line on the edge of his area, but it was still an audacious attempt.
However, Windass pulled it off perfectly, as his lob sailed over Zetterstrom and into the net.
The stunning strike brought up a personal milestone for Windass as he netted his 50th goal for Sheffield Wednesday in his 160th appearance for the club.
He is a man in form having scored five goals in five games, and Sheffield Wednesday did not look back after Windass gave them a two-goal cushion.
Djeidi Gassama made it 3-0 before Jerry Yates pulled a goal back for the visitors.
Substitute Anthony Musaba put the result beyond doubt, with Ebou Adams netting a late consolation for Derby.
The win lifts Sheffield Wednesday up to ninth in the Championship, and they are now just three points outside the play-offs.
Meanwhile, Derby are down in 17th and looking nervously over their shoulder at the relegation zone.
The Owls had taken the lead in eight minutes through Barry Bannan, but could not add to their advantage in the first half.
Then, just after the hour mark, Windass, the son of former Premier League star Dean Windass, took center stage at Hillsborough.
After Sheffield Wednesday cleared their lines following a Derby cross into the box, the ball dropped to Windass around 15 yards inside his half. He took a touch to get the ball out of his feet and then let it fly from fully 60 yards out.
The 30-year-old had spotted that Derby goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom was off his line on the edge of his area, but it was still an audacious attempt.
However, Windass pulled it off perfectly, as his lob sailed over Zetterstrom and into the net.
The stunning strike brought up a personal milestone for Windass as he netted his 50th goal for Sheffield Wednesday in his 160th appearance for the club.
He is a man in form having scored five goals in five games, and Sheffield Wednesday did not look back after Windass gave them a two-goal cushion.
Djeidi Gassama made it 3-0 before Jerry Yates pulled a goal back for the visitors.
Substitute Anthony Musaba put the result beyond doubt, with Ebou Adams netting a late consolation for Derby.
The win lifts Sheffield Wednesday up to ninth in the Championship, and they are now just three points outside the play-offs.
Meanwhile, Derby are down in 17th and looking nervously over their shoulder at the relegation zone.
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