Barry Bannan inspires Sheffield Wednesday to huge MK Dons win as the Owls move up to fifth

Pressure? What pressure?

Roared on by a 5,000 plus travelling fans, Sheffield Wednesday beat promotion rivals Milton Keynes Dons in an absolute thriller to boost their promotion aspirations. Given the circumstances and the fact they dropped out of the play-offs yesterday, it was an outstanding team performance.

The Owls blew the Dons away in the opening half an hour, racing into a three goal lead. It left the Dons with too much to do.

MK Dons 2 Owls 3 highlights

Captain Barry Bannan pulled the strings in the centre. He provided two assists before scoring a spectacular third as he continues to go from strength to strength.

But Bannan was ably supported in the middle of the park by George Byers and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. It was feared Wednesday would miss Massimo Luongo's aggression and bite but the Bannan, Byers and Dele-Bashiru axis worked well as a unit throughout.

Losing Harlee Dean to injury in the first half did not help their defensive stability. Wednesday were forced to weather a late onslaught from the Dons but the defence held firm.

This was a huge statement of intent from Wednesday and the result moves them a giant step towards securing a play-off spot. Victory sees them move above Sunderland and Wycombe Wanderers back into fifth position. It is in their hands and that is all you can ask for at this stage of the campaign.

It was not pretty after the break but it was professional, workmanlike display. All that mattered was the result.

It is the first time the Dons have lost in three months. The Owls have now beaten all of the top three teams in the league on their travels this season.

There will be more twists and turns to come in the final two weeks of the regular season. Sunderland, Wycombe and co can apply