Danny Ward was the hero for Huddersfield Town as he kept out two Sheffield Wednesday penalties to send the Terriers to the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final.
Following a goalless first leg, and a 1-1 draw after extra-time in the second encounter, David Wagner’s men needed spot-kicks to advance past the Owls, winning the shoot-out 4-3 largely thanks to Ward’s heroics.The Welsh stopper, who is on loan from Liverpool, had been beaten in normal time by a Steven Fletcher header, only for Tom Lees to divert a low cross into his own net to bring the match level in the 75th minute.
Then, after a goalless period of extra-time, all eyes were on the Kop end of Hillsborough for the penalty shoot-out.
Chris Lowe immediately put Huddersfield on the front foot, and Ward kept out Sam Hutchinson, before Michael Hefele, Nahki Wells and Aaron Mooy were all successful for the visitors.
Jack Payne had the chance to send the Terriers into the final but saw his effort saved, however Ward proved to be the hero as he denied Fernando Forestieri to win it for Huddersfield.
Ward and the rest of Wagner’s men will now face Reading at Wembley on Monday 29th May for a place in the Premier League.