Lee Bullen said the Owls Under-23s had been ‘sucker-punched’ after our late 2-1 defeat to Birmingham at Hillsborough.
Matt Penney’s first half strike had Wednesday in front and it seemed to be enough following a commanding second half performance from the home side.
But two late Blues goals meant the Owls would leave the field empty-handed.
Bullen said: “We’ve been sucker punched in the end.
“We had opportunities to go 2-0 up and it’s come back to haunt us in the end.
“One of the most telling things is that at the end of the game the opposition coaches came over and apologised! They knew they were second best, but ultimately that means nothing.
“That’s the most pleasing performance of the season and we’ve come away with nothing.
“The commitment, the work rate, the high press to win the ball back was very pleasing.
“It’s so frustrating, mainly for the boys as they put everything in today and didn’t get the rewards in the end.
“We’re still missing six big players who might normally be available for us. Charles Hagan and Conor Grant are injured, Osaze Urhoghide wasn’t available today, Korede Adedoyin is suspended and obviously Liam Shaw and Alex Hunt are with the first team.”
Despite the defeat, Bullen was pleased to see Penney on the scoresheet with a trademark free kick.
“Matt Penney has that is his locker. I’m not sure he’ll think he struck the ball as he would have wanted, the opposition will be disappointed in their wall.
“He had a couple of other free kicks in the game that were great efforts as well.”