Sheffield Wednesday 1-3 Preston North End: Scott Sinclair scores as Lilywhites win
- Published
Jayden Stockley scored his first goal since December to help Preston beat Sheffield Wednesday
Preston North End boosted their flagging play-off hopes after ending a seven-match winless run by coming from behind to beat Sheffield Wednesday.
Wednesday winger Jacob Murphy opened the scoring with a well-constructed goal when he was played through by Atdhe Nuhiu's backheel and slotted in.
Substitute Scott Sinclair then smashed in an equaliser after fellow replacement Jayden Stockley's flick-on.
Stockley's firm low effort gave the visitors a late lead and, with the hosts pressing for a leveller, another sub, Brad Potts, finished well from 20 yards to seal the victory.
Preston, who are now three points off the play-off places with four games to play, knew that they were likely to need a win to keep their season alive.
Owls centre-back Dominic Iorfa headed an early Barry Bannan corner against the crossbar before the visitors took control.
Sean Maguire missed his kick when well placed at the near post and Tom Barkhuizen placed a shot wide after a quick breakaway left him in on goal as North End failed to make the most of their chances.
A scrappy second half was lit up by Murphy's excellent goal as he drove inside off the right, exchanged a one-two with Nuhiu and finished calmly.
Preston boss Alex Neil brought on Sinclair and Stockley in the 76th minute and just two minutes later they combined to great effect.
The Owls were denied a second when Julian Borner's goal was ruled out for a foul on Preston keeper Declan Rudd by Joey Pelupessy.
Moments later, Stockley scored at the other end with a first time shot from Daniel Johnson's pass and Potts consigned Wednesday to a third straight loss in time added on.
Post-match reaction
Sheffield Wednesday boss Garry Monk:
"As a manager you live and die by results and everything will be judged on that.
"It needs a lot of work and patience. There is always demand from fans when you are at a big club like this. It's a lot of work but it's work I'm more than willing to do.
"We've spoke numerous times about the basics and the fundamentals. We're just not resolute enough. I'm determined to get it right."
Preston boss Alex Neil told BBC Radio Lancashire:
"I think we've deserved more points than we've took since we came back.
"I thought we were fantastic in the first half and on another night we could have gone in 4-1 up at half-time.
"Their goal was really disappointing for us and then we went really aggressive with our changes to try and force the issue. I thought all of the lads that came on made a really big impact.
"You can't feel sorry for yourself in football because you have to go and take things for yourself. I said before the game we needed to prove our mettle and we did that."