- Owls Under-21s beaten 4-2 by Sheffield FC
- Ryan Croasdale and Franck Betra on target for Wednesday
- Lee Bullen’s side next in action against Matlock on 16 July
The Owls Under-21s were defeated 4-2 by Sheffield FC at The Coach and Horses Stadium on Thursday evening.
In a hectic start to the game Mani Dieseruvwe and Paul McElroy both went close for Wednesday but saw strikes well blocked out by bodies back for the hosts.
In what was a physical test for the young Owls, Sheffield FC took the lead before the half hour mark through Joel Purkiss.
But Wednesday were not behind for long and it was new man Croasdale who equalised and in stunning fashion.
The ex-Preston midfielder picked up possession 30 yards from goal and smashed the ball into the top corner to draw the visitors level.
But before the break, the home side hit back with another outstanding strike. Mark Fereday measured up a volley from outside the area and connected sweetly to give his side the advantage.
Following the restart, the Owls were gifted an equaliser when little seemed on for Bullen’s side.
Betra pounced on a loose back pass before rounding the goalkeeper and tapping home into the unguarded net.
In what proved to be a lively encounter, the home side took the lead for a third time with former Owls Under-18 defender Brandon Cardwell tapping home from close range on the rebound.
With little over ten minutes to play, the game was put beyond Wednesday when the hosts were awarded a penalty.
Seanna Foster was adjudged to have handled in the area and Matt Roney stepped up to convert the spot kick.
Bullen said: "It’s disappointing but not really unexpected.
“We have a new group of players this year and it showed at times with a few naive defensive mistakes.
“It gives us a lot to work on and we have to learn quickly as Matlock will be another step-up in quality opposition next week."
Owls: Dawson (Wildsmith 46), Young (Foster 46), Floro (Law 75), Lokko, Sanders (Beatson 46), Croasdale (Beresford 65), Stobbs (Duffy 65), Hanna (Penney 75), Betra, Dieseruvwe, McElroy