The Owls will finish the year third in the table, only outside the automatic promotion places on goals scored following Ipswich Town’s 2-2 draw at Portsmouth. Michael Smith was on target twice at Hillsborough as Darren Moore’s side beat Port Vale.
He netted from the penalty spot in the 30th minute and added a stunning second goal after 70 minutes. Across South Yorkshire, Robbie Cundy’s 86th-minute winner earned Barnsley a 2-1 victory at home to Fleetwood.
The hosts extended their unbeaten run to seven League One games as Cundy headed home late on after an Admiral Muskwe penalty had cancelled out James Norwood’s opener for Barnsley.
Following the latest round of festive fixtures in the third tier, we have put together the best XI from Thursday’s and Friday’s games using WhoScored ratings. Take a look...
9. Lewis Dobbin - 8.5
The midfielder scored the only goal as Derby beat Cambridge United on Friday evening. Photo: Gareth Copley
10. Michael Smith - 9
The Wednesday striker scored both goals as the Owls beat Port Vale to go level on points with second place - the second a stunning strike from outside the area. Photo: Isaac Parkin
11. Sam Nombe - 8.6
The Exeter man opened the scoring before claiming a dramatic stoppage-time winner in his side's thrilling 4-3 win over Bristol City. Photo: Michael Regan