Wednesday’s Under-18s won by the odd goal in five to complete an outstanding comeback against Leicester in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup.
Logan Briggs and Reece Evans put the Premier League visitors into the ascendancy but a stirring performance from Andy Holdsworth’s side saw the Owls bounce back in style.
Cian Flannery pulled one goal back before half time, with Bailey Cadamarteri and Rio Shipston rounding off an unforgettable evening for our academy lads.
Wednesday were on the front foot from the first minute and Jarvis Thornton was first to test the waters when his powerful strike from range whistled just wide.
Moments later, Mackenzie Maltby stung the hands of Dillon Addai from the edge of the box as the Owls turned the screw.
But despite a strong start from the hosts, it was Leicester who took the lead on 17 minutes.
Briggs weaved his way into the box, with his shot hitting the crossbar before finding the net.
The Owls were undeterred after going behind and continued to seek openings in the Foxes’ backline.
Shipston’s free kick from 20 yards fizzed over the bar and Thornton had a deflected strike tipped out of play before Wednesday were dealt a second blow.
Jahmari Lindsay raced down the left and laid the ball on a plate for Evans to tap home from close range to double Leicester’s lead.
Wednesday rallied in similar style after conceding the opener but this time their efforts were rewarded.
Shipston’s corner led to a scramble in the area where the ball fell to the feet of Flannery, who smashed beyond Addai to put the Owls back in the game.
Searching for an equaliser, the busy Thornton struck just wide from distance before Joey Phuthi’s powerful hit was parried clear by Addai, leaving Wednesday wondering how they went into the break a goal behind.
But moments into the second half, parity was restored courtesy of a stunning finish from Cadamarteri.
The forward found space on the edge of the area and left Addai with no chance as his bending hit found the top corner.
Wednesday looked a constant threat and on 55 minutes took a deserved lead.
Shipston went down under a challenge in the area and the referee pointed to the spot. The midfielder picked himself up and placed daintily to the keeper’s right to put the Owls in front.
Half chances filled the remainder of the cup clash - Josh King broke down the right but his shot was brilliantly blocked by Maltby and out for a corner.
Then, Phuthi crossed for Thornton, but the forward nodded just over with 15 minutes left on the clock.
The Owls were in complete control in the dying embers and with the blow of the final whistle booked a place in round five where they will face the winners of Cambridge v Chelsea.
Wednesday: Hall, Bradford, Flannery, Maltby, Chapman, Tapudzai, Fusire, Shipston, Cadamarteri, Thornton, Phuthi (Rodrigues 90)