CONOR HOURIHANE AND Glenn Whelan were the match-winners on Saturday afternoon as Aston Villa edged Sheffield Wednesday in a stunning 4-2 thriller in the Championship.
Hourihane notched his side into the lead with a measured half-volley inside the box to bring Steve Bruce’s side 3-2 ahead in the dying stages, with Robert Snodgrass adding a fourth to ensure the victory in the last minute.
The sides had been drawn level twice before as they exchanged blows in a fraught game at Hillsborough, with Ireland midfielder Glenn Whelan equalising with a little over twenty minutes to go.
Snodgrass delivered a dangerous cross aimed towards the back post, with 34-year-old Whelan on hand to nudge a header past goalkeeper Joseph Wildsmith to make it 2-2.
The stage was set for a late, great winner and Hourihane stood up to be counted.
A corner crossed into the box was poorly cleared and the 27-year-old supplied an excellent half-volley which flew into the bottom corner to push his side into the lead for the first time all afternoon.
Hourihane has enjoyed a brilliant season in a Villa side which also features Ireland striker Scott Hogan.
The midfielder has scored nine goals in the Championship already this season, averaging close to a goal every three games for Bruce’s side.
With Saturday’s win — their sixth in eighth games — Villa move up to third place in the Championship, just one point adrift of second-placed Cardiff, who have a game in hand.
Glenn Whelan (!) goal #avfc pic.twitter.com/JVMrQX3oeI
— Kristoffer Freiding (@KristofferF) February 24, 2018
2-3 Villa!!! Hourihane👊🏽 #avfc pic.twitter.com/EMru2KB4BF
— Kristoffer Freiding (@KristofferF) February 24, 2018
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