Hat-Trick Hero Rhodes Chops Down Forest

Owls demolish the Reds with first-half blitz

- Richard Meddings

GARRY Monk praised Jordan Rhodes for his hard work and toil – which he believes provided the foundations for his spectacular hat-trick, which helped Sheffield Wednesday thump, Nottingham Forest.

The £10m striker had not scored previously this season – but had hit the back of the net three times by the 37th minute, as the Yorkshire side romped into a four-goal lead before the interval.

Rhodes slotted home precisely from close range for his first, before adding an emphatic header and a superb overhead kick, as the visitors ran riot.

Steven Fletcher netted the fourth in injury time – and the big forward was a big influence throughout the game. But it was Rhodes’ finishing power that eased the Owls to a precious victory – and left Forest boss Lamouchi to apologize to fans.

Monk, in contrast, was in a very different mood, after seeing Wednesday notch a ninth win from their last ten meetings with Forest.

“I am delighted for Jordan – we all are. It has been tough for him,” said Monk. “In the last couple of seasons and into this season, it has been hard for him.