‘The team is better when you are in it’ – Many Sheffield Wednesday fans react to player’s post-Boro message

Sheffield Wednesday signed off 2020 by extending their unbeaten run to three matches following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Middlesbrough at Hillsborough.

Despite taking four points from their previous two matches, the Owls sacked manager Tony Pulis on Monday evening – with first team coach Neil Thompson in charge of the game against Neil Warnock’s team.

However, the Owls responded to Thompson’s instructions and collected a key win which saw them move up to 22nd in the standings, their highest position of the campaign, but more importantly, three points from Championship safety.

Callum Paterson got the ball rolling for Wednesday before teenage midfielder and boyhood Owls supporter Liam Shaw, doubled their advantage with his first professional goal, which made Duncan Watmore’s second-half strike little more than a consolation for the Riverside outfit.

Quiz: Did these 20 things happen to Sheffield Wednesday in 2020?

1 of 20

Did Sheffield Wednesday win at Hillsborough?

Yes No

Following his maiden goal in senior football, 19-year-old Shaw took to social media to describe the feeling of scoring for the club he supports, despite being in front of an empty Kop End.

Shaw was playing for Chesterfield in the National League just more than 12 months ago, but has now become a regular for Wednesday, featuring in each of their previous four league matches.

And we’ve been looking at how the Hillsborough faithful have been reacting to Shaw’s tweet and general performance against Middlesbrough.

Excellent game again last night pal keep it going!!!🔵⚪️

— Stuart Coates (@Coat73) December 30, 2020

Another performance bud and to cap it off with a goal, shame we weren't there to celebrate with you. Hopefully it's the first of many. 🔵⚪🔵⚪

— WAWAW (@nanjayman) December 29, 2020

Brilliant again tonight kiddo – hope whatever is going on behind the scenes doesn’t detract from you bagging one in front of the kop!

— RolandNilsson (@Gintit2k21) December 29, 2020

Tremendous strike. The first thing I thought was “Bless him…nobdy ont Kop”
We were all with you, going bananas and celebrating it at home though!
Well done!!! 🦉🦉🦉

— Franny (@alanfrance) December 30, 2020

Pity it wasn’t in front of a full kop, you’ll get another chance, well done 👍🦉🦉🦉

— John Callaghan (@callyowl) December 29, 2020

Brilliant tonight Liam. Dont let the negativity around the owner deter you from your game. Up The Owls 💙🦉💙

— Dave (0v0) Dowling (@DoubleD1867) December 29, 2020

You really are a top prospect Liam, you've been fantastic in most games, today you was outstanding! Mom and your one of our own. WAWAW 🔵⚪🔵⚪🦉🦉🦉

— Aaron (@Aaron15957442) December 29, 2020

The team is better when you are in it…well done.

Credit to the staff for keeping you out there the full 90 minutes…we lose something when you go off, usually the game.

— Drew 🌹 3.5% #BLM #ExLabour #FreeAssange (@Sad_Britt) December 30, 2020

Man of Match today Liam ran your socks off and plenty of quality to well done

— Andrew Dickinson (@dicko19814eva) December 29, 2020

Made up for you mate, keep grafting your gonna go far!

— DavOwl (@BigDave35942245) December 29, 2020