The Owls Under-18s maintained their place at the top of the table on Saturday with a narrow 2-1 win over strugglers Colchester.

The Wednesday academy side failed to reach top gear but managed to grind out a crucial win on the road to stay in pole position.

A late penalty from Liam Waldock settled the game after Declan Thompson had equalised early in the second half.

Andy Holdsworth’s side had to come from behind in the game as the hosts hit the front inside five minutes from a swift counter attack.

The early breakthrough gave the U’s a much-needed boost after a difficult season, which has seen them fail to win a game in 2018/19.

Wednesday, though, were back on level terms on 54 minutes as Thompson – who was celebrating his 17th birthday - met Lewis Farmer’s free kick in the box to head home the equaliser.

Then eight minutes from time, the Owls got their noses in front with what proved the decisive moment in the game.

Elliot Vasalo was brought down by the U’s goalkeeper inside the box and the referee pointed to the spot.

Waldock stepped up and converted from 12 yards to seal a big three points for Wednesday, who are two points ahead of nearest rivals Leeds with five games left to play.

Next-up for the Under-18s is Coventry at Middlewood Road on Saturday (11.00am).

Owls: Render, Dawodu, Oliver, Kenyon (Reaney 64), Thompson, Rice, Hagan (Brandy 72), Waldock, Hammoud, Farmer, Vasalo