The Owls Under-21s went down fighting at Derby on Wednesday afternoon, losing 3-1 at Moor Farm.
The young Wednesday side, made up largely of 16 and 17-year-olds were up against it from the off against their more experienced counterparts but stood up well to the challenge, going in goalless at half time.
But three quickfire goals after the interval from Kwame Thomas, Niall Dawkins and Charles Vernam won the game for the Rams, before Adam Hinchliffe pulled one back for the visitors.
Development Squad head coach Lee Bullen said: “It was a tough ask for us today.
“We fielded a very young side - nine players were under 17 years of age, but I have to say I’m really pleased with them.
“We got in at half time 0-0. Yes, Derby had shaded the half but all throughout we kept our shape, we kept our discipline and our work ethic.
“I told them at half time the only thing that will beat us here is individual errors and that’s how it panned out. To go 3-0 down with half an hour still to go, you’re thinking this could be a sore one.
“Our confidence could have been knocked but it wasn’t and the players showed bags of spirit.
After young Adam had pulled a goal back for us, we created two or three chances after that, so could have easily come away with a draw.
“We can take a lot of positives from the game, the fact we dug in, finished strongly and the players’ general play was exemplary.”