Barry Bannan’s Goal Secures Sheffield Wednesday’s Comeback Victory Against Former Club Derby

Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Barry Bannan, who previously played 10 games for Derby in 2009 during a loan spell from Aston Villa, stated he “got the last laugh” following his remarkable goal that aided the Owls in a 2-1 comeback victory against his former team, Derby County. On Sunday, Derby County took an early lead at Pride Park in the ninth minute when Ebou Adams scored for the home team, with Wednesday trailing for a significant portion of the match. However, Bannan, celebrating his 35th birthday, equalized with a spectacular left-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area, sending the ball into the top right-hand corner. Jamal Lowe then secured the winning goal later in the game. Supporters promptly booed Bannan, a player who had represented Derby in 2009 on loan from Aston Villa. Bannan expressed surprise at this reception. Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield, Bannan commented: “The Derby fans were battering me in the first half and I got booked, so I had a personal vendetta to come out and do something”. He added: “I really enjoyed it here when I was younger so it was a bit weird they were booing me. I thought I’d be all right here but I got the last laugh.” He further explained his reaction, stating: “That’s why my celebration was so dramatic, because I got to give a little back to them.” This win positioned Sheffield Wednesday within five points of the play-off positions. Bannan further remarked: “We set out at the start of the season to get into the top half, and we as a team are aiming for that,” and concluded: “As professionals, you don’t just want to fight relegation, especially because we have the lads to get to the other end of the table.”