Sheffield Wednesday claimed their first Championship home win of the season in front of new owner David Storch as they beat West Brom 2-1 to finally wipe out their 18-point deduction.
Arise Capital Partners, which is led by Storch, has completed the acquisition of the Owls and the American was out on the pitch before kick-off to address the fans of his new club.
The new owner also confirmed that the Owls would be starting life in League One without a points deduction, much to the delight of the sold out home crowd.
And they were then treated to a first home win since April 21, 2025 thanks to first-half goals from Nathaniel Chalobah and Liam Palmer.
West Brom fans also had reason to celebrate at Hillsborough having recently made sure of their place in the Championship next season despite a two-point deduction and the permanent appointment of James Morrison, who has overseen a remarkable turnaround since replacing Eric Ramsey.
Wednesday's Jamal Lowe had the first big chance of the afternoon but Max O'Leary got out quickly to deny him from close range.
At the other end, Josh Maja's header at the back post could not trouble goalkeeper Pierce Charles.
Callum Styles had a go from range but the ball was punched away by Charles. Danny Imray then fired an effort at goal which fell at Maja's feet but the striker could not find the net.
Chalobah gave the Owls the lead in the 36th minute. Lowe curled in a free-kick from the left and as West Brom failed to clear, the midfielder was there to nudge the ball over the line.
Jerry Yates and Tayo Adaramola both had sights of goal before Wednesday doubled their advantage in the 40th minute.
Max Lowe's shot caused chaos in the Baggies defence and captain Palmer stabbed home.
Jamal Lowe had the hosts' best chance of the second half, running at goal and curling his effort from outside the box just wide of the far post.
Karlan Grant made it a nervy ending when he got one back for the Baggies in the 82nd minute, prodding home following Isaac Price's deflected free-kick.
It was an agonising last few moments for the Owls but they managed to hold on to secure their first victory at Hillsborough this season at the very last attempt and avoid becoming the only team in EFL history to fail to win at home in an entire campaign.
Sheffield Wednesday's Henrik Pedersen:
"The atmosphere was amazing and I am so proud today.
"I am emotional because I know how much the players, staff and fans have invested for the club this season.
"To get that first home win on the final game of the season in front of a sold-out Hillsborough means so much more than just a win.
"Usually it would be crazy to be happy to end up on zero points but I am really happy, it means a lot for us because it shows that we never give up.
"David is a really good man. He has only been the owner of the club for 24 hours but I am so happy he has shown so much heart for this club already.
"This has been an awful situation. It has been the most difficult situation in English football history maybe ever and we got this win today to say thank you to the fans."
West Brom's James Morrison:
"I didn't recognise that performance today. It was certainly their celebration and we let the occasion affect us really. They probably wanted it a bit more than us which is disappointing.
"I could smell little signs before the game and it was up to me to try and nip that in the bud. In defeats you learn a lot and I've learnt a lot today.
"It's the first time I've had to get angry at half-time but I'm not going to let my frustrations make me lose sight of the bigger picture.
"We've built our principles on fight and hard work but it wasn't there today but the positive thought came into my head, thinking about where we were and where we've been and what we've achieved.
"Just imagine if we didn't do the job last week and we came here today needing something. It would have been tough. So, that's a positive in itself, if there is one.
"We've been on a great run and it's a shame to end it like this. We'll take some time to rest but we know how much work we have to do between now and the start of next season."
