Wednesday’s Under-18s were beaten on Friday night under the lights at the Oakwell Training Ground as Barnsley ran out 3-1 winners.
It was a harsh defeat for the Owls against their near rivals but, in a game of fine margins, it was Barnsley who made the big moments count.
In a cagey opening, Wednesday were first to show after four minutes when Bruno Fernandes slipped the ball across goal for Jarvis Thornton, only for the midfielder to see his goal-bound effort blocked.
Tyrell Dawes had a fair shout for a penalty turned away midway through the half moments before the Reds stunned Wednesday with quickfire goals.
Luck was not on the Owls’ side and the breakthrough goal after 31 minutes served only to emphasise that point.
Emmaisa Nzondo crossed from the right with pace, Owls defender Joe Emery stuck out a boot in an attempt to clear but inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
Four minutes later and Barnsley doubled their lead. Rafael Monteiro hit a high looping free kick into the box which deceived goalkeeper Jack Phillips and dropped over the line to add to Wednesday’s frustrations.
The Owls regrouped at the break and were quick off the blocks in the second half with a goal after just five minutes.
Carlos Rodrigues did well to get the better of his man down the right before sending an inviting ball into the box for Fernandes to steer inside the far post.
Bayley McCann stung the palms of Phillips on the hour and moments later, Barnsley had their goalkeeper to thank for preserving the slim lead.
Thornton – Owls standout player on the night – advanced upfield and threaded a wonderful ball for Rodrigues, only for Rogan Ravenhill to come racing off his line and produce a key save.
The Owls continued to knock on the door but time and again, Barnsley kept it firmly shut.
Substitute Ari-Jae Shaw struck low towards the far post but once more Ravenhill made an impressive save, diving low to his left to prevent the deflected effort from creeping in.
Pushing for a late leveller left Wednesday exposed at times and the Reds took their opportunity to seal the win in stoppage time.
Kieran Graham’s strike was parried out by Phillips and a Barnsley trialist finished low from six yards to put the game to bed.
SWFC: Phillips, Johnson (Weston 55), Dawes, Emery, Swales, Rodrigues, Kakay (Mbaya 73), Hunt (Shaw 64), Thornton, Fernandes, Remy-Dee