Sheffield Wednesday setting new standards and records in pursuit of Championship return

Sheffield Wednesday's ability to turn Hillsborough into a fortress has been the cornerstone of their success this season. The Owls bounced back from defeat in emphatic style on Saturday to crush Cambridge 6-0 and move within a point of a playoff spot. An impressive run of form was halted last weekend when Wednesday succumbed to a 3-1 defeat against Lincoln.

Yesterday’s clash against Cambridge was billed as a must-win if Darren Moore’s men were to keep their promotion hopes and a Sadio Berahino-inspired performance meant they did exactly that. His hat-trick ensured a comfortable home win, with the Owls now in seventh and breathing down the necks of Plymouth, Sunderland and Oxford. Victory at home to Accrington on Tuesday will see the Owls leapfrog Sunderland despite having a game in hand.

With confidence high and supporters dreaming about promotion, YorkshireLive breaks down the numbers of Wednesday’s impressive home run…

Wednesday have been rampant at Hillsborough in recent weeks - scoring 11 goals in their last two home outings. The six-goal annihilation of Cambridge came 10 days after the Owls put five past Burton, showcasing the new-found ruthless streak in front of goal.

The 2-0 victory against Charlton on February 26 brings that tally to a staggering 13 goals scored and just two conceded in their last three home fixtures.

However, goals are not the sole reason for the dominant displays at home. A rock-solid defence boasts the joint-best defensive home record in League One which, in turn, has helped Wednesday achieve the joint-fewest home defeats this season.

Just 14 goals conceded, combined with the goalscoring exploits at the other end has turned Hillsborough into a daunting place for opposition sides to visit.