Josh Windass and Michael Smith returned to the Sheffield Wednesday starting line-up to spark a turnaround 2-1 victory over bottom-placed Portsmouth.
Smith was only making his second start of the campaign, having found himself behind Jamal Lowe in Danny Rohl’s pecking order, while Windass has missed recent matches.
But after Connor Ogilvie’s first-half opener had given Pompey hope of a first home win of the season, Windass latched on to a Smith knockdown to level before Smith won it with a goal-of-the-season contender.
John Mousinho and Rohl both made five changes but one starter had waited longer than the others to make it into an XI.
Pompey goalkeeper Jordan Archer had not started a league match since May 2021 but came in after Nicolas Schmid suffered an injury in the defeat to Cardiff on Tuesday.
The former Millwall shot-stopper settled his nerves with an early catch from Smith’s looping header.
Wednesday completely changed their front line after back-to-back blanks but it was defender Liam Palmer who had the first sight at goal – his low, drilled strike deflected behind.
Striker Smith picked up on a weak clearance in the 19th minute but dragged his effort wide before Christian Saydee sliced horribly over in Pompey’s opening gambit.
Having found some sustained pressure, Callum Lang forced James Beadle into a strong diving save from a 30-yard free-kick.
Lang’s second free-kick was hit straight into the wall but it ricocheted into Mark O’Mahony and towards the bottom left corner of the goal with Beadle stranded, and Pol Valentin scampered back to clear off the line.
But the corner led to Pompey’s opener as Ogilvie thumped in his first goal since February.
Freddie Potts’ corner was flicked goalwards by O’Mahony before Beadle kept out Saydee’s point-blank effort but he could not do anything about Ogilvie smashing into the roof of the net at the far post.
Rohl had already been forced into swapping the injured Akin Famewo for Dominic Iorfa midway through the first half, but elected for a double tactical substitution at the break – with former Fratton favourite Jamal Lowe and Yan Valery introduced.
It was the third time Pompey had led at half-time but had not gone on to win any of those matches. So, there was little surprise when Wednesday drew level 10 minutes into the second half.
Barry Bannan used his left foot to lift to Smith at the back post before Windass rushed in unmarked to crash past Archer.
Windass’ leveller was emphatic, but Smith’s winner was a thing of beauty.
Valery picked out his run and without breaking stride Smith outrageously pinged into the top corner from around 25 yards.
Lang had a late chance to save a point, but his header cleared the bar as Wednesday rose up to 11th place.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. EPL Week 22 Ronaldo on this day Chelsea eyeing possible Garnacho move IT'S ALWAYS HIM! Which club should El Capitano - @sergioramos JOIN? It was special 2'—Benfica 1-0 Barcelona 13'—Benfica 1-1 Barcelona 22'—Benfica 2-1 Barcelona 30'—Benfica 3-1 Barcelona 64'—Benfica 3-2 Barcelona 68'—Benfica 4-2 Barcelona 78'—Benfica...
Manchester United have been linked with a surprise move for Jack Grealish.Jack Grealish has been linked with a surprise move to Manchester UnitedManchester United are reportedly weighing up a surprise move for Jack Grealish, who faces an uncertain future at Manchester City.The former Aston Villa forward has struggled for game time over the last few months and has only scored one goal for City in h...
KYLE WALKER is to join AC Milan after agreeing a 12-month loan deal, SunSport can reveal.The Manchester City skipper, 34, is expected in Italy in the coming days before being unveiled to the Rossoneri.Kyle Walker has agreed a move to AC MilanHe was poised to join their fierce city rivals, Inter, after telling City of his desire to quit the Etihad but talks broke down over his wages.AC Milan have n...
Lecce's president revealed he met with Manchester United representatives regarding Patrick Dorgu but warned to keep their hands off the player.Man Utd officials met with Lecce for Dorgu Serie A side reportedly want €40m Club president insists player is not for saleWHAT HAPPENED?United are actively exploring options to strengthen their left wing-back position, a role head coach Ruben Amorim s...
Barcelona eye Musiala as summer targetBarcelona have reportedly identified Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala as a priority for their upcoming transfer plans, according to Sport. Musiala’s current deal with Bayern Munich runs until 2026, but reports suggest that the Bundesliga champions are already in negotiations for a contract extension. Whether Barcelona can tempt him away from the Al...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Chelsea 's back !!Chelsea 3-1 Wolves Arsenal watching Premier League teams copy their corner kick style. Respect for Antony THAT FINAL WAS SPECIAL! STREETS WON'T FORGET! Lamine Yamal is so young that he will be just 23 years old at the 2030 FIFA World Cup!Most of us will retire from our professions before Lamine Yamal retires from football. The GOAT Vs Sir Bobb...
Manchester United are still waiting for the sale which could act as the trigger point for a frenzy of January transfer activity at Old Trafford. And they could soon get it, with Antony, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho among those heavily linked elsewhere.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted his side will take action in the market if the right opportunity presents itself, while Tottenham m...
Ferran Torres has pledged his commitment to Barcelona.The attacker is being linked with AC Milan this week.But ahead of their Champions League clash with Benfica, Torres said: "I could say that I have learned a lot, with ups and downs. I have had some great moments and some not so great ones."It's been a very nice time and I have a lot of confidence in the club. The future? It will be here, playin...
Fabrizio Romano has provided CaughtOffside with an exclusive video update on the Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea story that has emerged today.In a new post for the Daily Briefing, Romano confirmed the stories about Chelsea’s interest in the Manchester United winger, whilst also reporting on Napoli being keen.Although Garnacho has mostly been an important player for Man Utd in the last couple o...
Manchester City have completed the signing of Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov.City have agreed a deal worth €40 million ($41.6m) plus add-ons for the 20-year-old, who has signed a four-and-a-half year deal at the Etihad Stadium.Khusanov, who has been handed the No. 45 shirt, is set to become the first Uzbeki to play in the Premier League."I'm absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester Ci...
- 1 Benjamin Sesko has already said yes to Arsenal
- 2 Joao Felix eyed by ‘very interested club’
- 3 Liverpool flop and ex-Page 3 girl were 'freaked out'
- 4 Shaun Murphy copies Lionel Messi as he sleeps with Masters trophy
- 5 Liverpool leading race to sign Kerkez
- 6 Teen arrested after shock abuse against Kai Havertz's wife Sophia
- 7 Daily Laugh - Chelsea 's back !!
- 8 Mourinho makes drastic career change and launches 'The Special One' wine
- 9 Ex-Bundesliga star's WAG has intimate tattoo of footballer husband
- 10 City, Frankfurt reach deal for Marmoush