The Under-18s’ first game of 2014 saw Wednesday lose 1-0 to a well-disciplined Barnsley side.
The Middlewood Road clash saw the visitors quickly out the blocks, scoring after just five minutes, when Callum Pilkington guided past Wednesday keeper Joe Wildsmith to ultimately decide the game.
What followed was a cagey affair, with few chances for either side. Franck Betra came closest for the Owls with a right-footed strike that was comfortably saved before the break.
Betra, fresh from his involvement in the first team squad’s trip to Macclesfield, looked lively and posed Wednesday’s greatest threat in the final third.
Charlie Dawes also went close after the break as the Owls dominated possession but the Barnsley defence held firm to emerge with all three points.
The Wednesday Under-18s are next in action on Wednesday 15 January in the FA Youth Cup fourth round against Chelsea.
The cup-tie will be played at Aldershot FC with a kick-off time of 7.05pm.