Owls Bag three more

Wednesday turned out a second impressive home performance in a row as they beat West Brom, expected to be up there contesting for promotion come May, 3-1 thanks to goals from Glenn Whelan, Madjid Bougherra and a late penalty by Steve MacLean.

The Baggies were below standard but that didn't stop the Owls notching three more league points on the table, widely thanks to two goals in the opening quarter of an hour. Chris Brunt, who had hit the sidenetting in an early free-kick, supplied a great cross from the left that former skipper Whelan met with a firm header past Russell Hoult.

The Owls had started lively and it was no surprise they doubled their lead four minutes later. Madjid Bougherra had celebrated his first goal for the club a fortnight ago at Ipswich and his glancing header from a Kenny Lunt free-kick was his first goal at Hillsborough. It has been an impressive few months for the Algerian international who has quickly made a starting place in defence his own, as well as becoming a favourite with the fans.

Wednesday held their advantage until the break but did lose left-back John Hills mid way through the half to a hamstring injury, replaced by the more than capable youngster Tommy Spurr.

The Baggies hauled themselves back in the contest with only a minute left of normal time when Jason Koumas curled a shot past Crossley. It didn't matter though as 60 seconds later the Owls had a third and the game was over. Super sub MacLean was chopped down in the box and the Scot picked himself up to convert his fourth of the season and his third as a substitute.

Laws verdict: "It was a great night and an important win for us. It's been a great test for us having the two home games against Cardiff and West Brom." "We knew this was always going to be a tough test because West Brom are possible contenders for promotion to the Premiership." "What epitomised the performance was our hard work and willingness to work for each other and close people down. That was most evident in the first half and that won us the game." "We didn't allow West Brom to get their heads up and pick any passes out."