The best of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy second round was saved until last when Sheffield Wednesday and Chesterfield thrilled thousands of fans – and Sky Sports viewers – in an absorbing local derby at Hillsborough. In front of the largest crowd of the round, 15,000 fans were treated to a game full of drama which eventually ended in a late sudden death penalty shoot-out.
Wednesday keeper Nicky Weaver emerged the hero for the home side, saving three penalties and scoring one of his own, before his counterpart Tommy Lee blasted wide to end the Spireites’ cup run.
League Two Chesterfield, backed by an impressive vocal following, took the lead early on through dangerman Dean Morgan, before Neil Mellor equalised for the Owls shortly after.
After the break, the engrossing game ebbed and flowed with chances for both sides.
Darren Purse saw his header cleared off the line, while Chesterfield continued to look dangerous with every counter attack.
It was ex-Wolves striker Craig Davies who looked to have sealed the tie in the final throes of the game, burying a right footed shot with aplomb.
But Wednesday – and Giles Coke in particular – continued to rally, and it was the impressive midfielder who won a last gasp penalty for his side, which was initially saved by Lee, before Tudgay followed up his effort to score.
Then it was the turn of Nicky Weaver to take centre stage, securing a unique hat-trick of his own by saving three times and scoring a spot-kick in a penalty reminiscent of former keeper Kevin Pressman.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Alan Irvine spoke of his relief after the enthralling 8-7 penalty shoot-out.
Irvine said: “It was a massive relief to get a goal back so quickly at the end because it was a game we could have obviously lost.
“I thought there was always a chance of it going to penalties. There were far too many chances at our end for my liking. We were very easy to get at.”
Chesterfield manager John Sheridan, who enjoyed a successful spell at the Owls during his playing days, felt his side should have left with the victory.
“It's a shame because I thought we should have won the game. Full credit to the players,” he said. “I can take a lot of positives from the game. I thought we passed the ball well and we were a threat all night.”
Meanwhile, while all the headlines were being grabbed by Weaver and his team on Wednesday night, Rotherham were securing their passage into the Area Quarter Finals in a slightly less conspicuous manner.
Ronnie Moore’s men progressed with goals from Mark Bradley and Kevin Ellison with Richard Walker scoring a late consolation for the Brewers.
The Area Quarter Final draw will take place live on Soccer AM this Saturday October 9 from 10am.
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