EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists (outside the EU), club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images (+15 in extra time). No use to emulate moving images. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications/services. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ryan Browne/BPI/Shutterstock (10108429bj) Dominic Iorfa of Sheffield Wednesday celebrates the winning goal with team mates and Steven Fletcher of Sheffield Wednesday. Rotherham United v Sheffield Wednesday, EFL Sky Bet Championship, Football, AESSEAL New York Stadium, Rotherham, UK - 16 Feb 2019
Sheffield Wednesday are back in the Championship after a 1-0 win over Barnsley in the League One Play-Off Final. In Dominic Iorfa they have a player who has done enough to earn a contract extension.
Darren Moore’s men secured victory in the most dramatic of circumstances. With penalties looming large and the clock ticking towards the third minute of added time in extra time, Josh Windass pounced.
Just like his dad did 15 years ago on the hallowed turf of Wembley, Windass ensured pandemonium among the Wednesday faithful. His header from Lee Gregory’s pin-point cross was too hot for Harry Isted to handle and the Owls had reached their goal.
Wednesday had played for around 70 minutes of the clash against ten men. Adam Phillips saw red just after half-time for a horrendous challenge on Gregory but the Tykes managed to stand firm.
Penalties could have been anyone’s game. Windass etched his name firmly into Wednesday folklore though with a goal that left Barnsley with absolutely no chance of a comeback so late in the piece.
Iorfa was a catalyst for a solid defensive display from Wednesday. Although the Owls did a lot of pressing when Barnsley were reduced to 10 men, Moore’s team had to stand firm for a lot of the contest.
The 27-year-old has enjoyed a decent run of games this season. He’s played 45 times in all competitions during 2022/23, following a tough run of things last term when he missed several fixtures through injury.
Yesterday he was outstanding once again. Who Scored showcased that, confirming that he made seven clearances and won six aerial challenges during his 120 minutes in the blue and white.
Iorfa could be integral to Championship fortunes for Wednesday
Wednesday will want to show ambition in the transfer market this summer. However, it looks impossible that the club will be able to strengthen every single area on the pitch in one window.
The Owls could be in safe hands at the back with Iorfa and Michael Ihiekwe who was also fantastic yesterday. Moore does typically prefer a back three and perhaps another centre-back will be targeted to play alongside those two.
Iorfa was tipped for big things when he was coming through the ranks at Wolves. Things didn’t quite work out for him at Molineux but now he’s got a big chance to showcase his potential with Wednesday.
There is a caveat to Iorfa starring next season. In order to do so, Moore will need to offer him a new contract; with his existing deal due to expire in a couple of months to leave him sweating over his future.
The player can certainly improve when it comes to playing out from the back. However, defensively he’s sound and he’s also extremely quick, making him a very useful player for Wednesday in the Championship.
