Irish Sunday Mirror

GREGORY’S GOAL

Lee settles the jitters as Owls come storming back for victory

- AT HILLSBOROU­GH

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY manager Darren Moore praised the character of his side after they came from behind to beat Exeter.

A second-half comeback with goals from Lee Gregory and Callum Paterson cancelled out Josh Key’s opener and gave the Owls a vital three points.

Moore said: “In the first 45 minutes we were non-existent.

“We looked really tired and I thought we had no spark.

“I told the lads at half-time we had to take the game to Exeter and we had to dig deep. They went out in the second half and that’s what they did.

“We tried to remain calm, there’s no point in ranting and raving. We just had to regroup. They’re an experience­d bunch so they know what it takes. Their goal gave us a spark. It was a game of two halves, we started forcing the errors from Exeter. Once we got the second I thought we looked worthy of the three points.

“We’re dealing with the expectatio­n here and I have to give the players credit. Three points are expected every week but they’ve still got to manage that.

“It was all about getting the win. Ninety points after 44 games is remarkable really. The players have been superb all season.

“I’m so pleased for the players because it’s not easy for them.

“What we saw in the second half was endeavour and togetherne­ss. “We got there in the end.” Exeter boss Gary Caldwell said: “For the first hour we were much the better team. We were always in the

game and we played extremely well. The two strikers were outstandin­g. We stopped them in the middle where we knew they could hurt us.

“We played with so much personalit­y and quality. I’m proud of the players and how they performed in a big atmosphere.

“We created opportunit­ies, played well for long spells, had a lot of possession and made Wednesday chase the ball. We frustrated them. We had a clear plan and the players carried it out really well.

“Unfortunat­ely the fine margins have gone against us.

“We had a big chance to make it 2-0 and we conceded a couple of poor goals as well.

“We have a lot of players out injured, it’s a very thin squad but they were outstandin­g. Every game is an opportunit­y for players to show they want to play for the football club.”

 ?? ?? RISING HIGH: Lee Gregory scores the Wednesday equaliser
RISING HIGH: Lee Gregory scores the Wednesday equaliser

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