It was back down to earth with a bump for the Under-18s as Wednesday went down 5-1 in the capital to Crystal Palace on Saturday morning.
The Owls went into the league clash on an inspired run of resistance but a dismal first half laid the foundations for defeat.
The contest started well enough, though, with Wednesday taking an early lead through Warren Clarke – his fifth goal in as many games – but Palace hit back in style, scoring four goals to take an unassailable lead into the interval.
The Eagles registered again in the second half to run out comfortable winners.
Coach Steven Haslam said: “It was a case of coming back down to earth with a bump.
“The lads have played so well recently but football has a habit of kicking you in the teeth and that’s what happened today.
“We just weren’t really at it and the standards were below those that have been set this season.
“When I look around for which players performed well, I am scratching my head.
“We did not live up to the standards we have set and we will look for a reaction in training next week.
“The only positive I can take is Jordan Linchar, who’s in our Under-16 group. He came on for the last 20 minutes and that appearance will hopefully do him the world of good.”