Preston rekindled their Sky Bet Championship play-off hopes with three late goals at Hillsborough to sink Sheffield Wednesday 3-1.
Wednesday broke the deadlock early in the second half through Jacob Murphy’s fine effort, but Preston hit back to turn the game on its head with goals from substitutes Scott Sinclair, Jayden Stockley and Brad Potts.
The victory halted a seven-game winless run for Alex Neil’s side, who have climbed up to eighth place, three points adrift of the top six.
Wednesday slipped to a third straight league defeat, but the scoreline was harsh on Garry Monk’s side, who hit the crossbar through Dominic Iorfa in the first half.
Neil made his intentions clear, switching to just three at the back in a bold bid to end his side’s poor run and it helped make for a lively opening.
Patrick Bauer’s downward header was held by Wednesday goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith and at the other end Iorfa headed Barry Bannan’s corner against the crossbar.
The visitors squandered more big chances when the unmarked Andrew Hughes headed Joe Rafferty’s free-kick off target and Sean Maguire somehow failed to connect with skipper Alan Browne’s cross.
The Owls had spells of concerted pressure as half-time approached and striker Alessio Da Cruz was thwarted by Jordan Storey’s excellent block after Bannan’s clever ball over the top.
Wednesday’s goalscorer limped off injured soon after and was replaced by Moses Odubajo.
That proved inspirational from the Preston boss. Two minutes later Sinclair showed real composure to find the target after Stockley’s flick-on.
