Satisfied with the performance if not the result, said Neil Thompson after the Owls’ Under-23s went down 1-0 to Crewe over the Pennines.
A solitary second half goal from Callum Ainley was the difference as in-form Alex posted their fourth win from five games.
A relatively even encounter saw Matt Penney, Jack Lee and Sean Clare stand out for the visitors, with the only real thing lacking a ruthless edge in the final third.
Coach Thompson told swfc.co.uk: “I was pleased with the performance, which was very encouraging as we did the simple things very well and created chances.
“The ball went flashing across the six-yard box more than once and I thought we could have shown a bit more of a cutting edge.
“There wasn’t much between the two sides, it was the kind of game where one goal was always going to win it.
“So overall, I would say I’m disappointed with the result but encouraged by the performance.”