Dave Jones said the Owls’ vital win at Millwall had the hallmarks of the proverbial game of two halves.
A late, late winner from Chris Maguire sealed a huge win for the Owls, who climbed five places in the Championship following the capital gain.
But the travelling triumph came only after an indifferent first half display was overturned by a far more steely performance after the break.
Jones said: “That was a tale of two halves. Millwall could have been out of sight by half time because they played well and we didn’t.
“We were sloppy, we gave them a goal in the first minute, and they were the better side. But we got back into it and we were fortunate to do so.
“I said to the players at half time, OK, you have got the goal, well done, but you need to improve in the second half and credit to them because they did that.
“The first half was as poor as I have seen us for some time but we were much better after the break and I’m delighted for everyone to do with the football club for that result.
“We have brought over 1,000 fans down to London on a cold Tuesday night and once again, they have been different class.
“They will go home with a smile on their faces tonight.”
Jones was particularly pleased for matchwinner Maguire, who picked a timely moment to notch his maiden goal for the Owls.
He added: “I’ve always said that the players who have not been playing are just as important – and sometimes more so than those that are – because they have to keep their complete focus on the sidelines and that can be hard.
“They have to take their chance when it comes and Chris has certainly done that.
“He’s been injured, he almost went out on loan, but he has kept his head down, worked hard and tonight he has his reward.
“I’m delighted for him.”