Jake Carroll returned after a two-month injury lay-off and trialist Tom Kennedy had a full 90 minutes as Huddersfield Town Under 21s lost 2-0 to Sheffield Wednesday, writes Jonas Giaever.
Carroll played his first match since his knee injury in December filling it at left back in the first half, and left winger in the second.
Kennedy, the former Rochdale, Leicester and Barnsley man, played down the left with Carroll and provided the team with experience.
Town got off to a bad start at PPG Canalside as the visitors took the lead in only the seventh minute.
Jack Stobbs made a great run down the left and crossed for Rhys McCabe to easily convert past Lloyd Allinson.
Other than the goal, the first half was largely influenced by scrappy attacking from both teams, with no real chances created.
Wednesday impressed with their possession play, with Town struggling to break down their counterparts in the centre of the park.
The Owls’ defence were also impressive, with Guinea international Kamil Zayaette running the show at the back.
Duane Holmes was a bright spark for Town, however, as he provided energy in attack and won several free kicks which they failed to profit from.
Town came out flying in the second half, with half-time substitute Flo Bojaj testing Wednesday keeper Joe Wildsmith in the 50th minute.
The same happened two minutes late, with Wildsmith emerging the victor again.
As Town looked to kick on, Wednesday took advantage of the space they were given on the counter.
Simon Hanna made an impressive run, skipping away from a flying tackle by Joe Wright, before tucking the ball away from 20 yards. Allinson got a hand to the effort, but could not prevent Wednesday establishing a 2-0 lead with 54 minutes on the clock.
Town’s best chance of the game came in the 80th minute as Duane Holmes made a fine run through the centre, combining well with Bojaj, before being faced with keeper Wildsmith, who made another excellent save. Unfortunately for Holmes, the ball rebounded to him too quickly to get a second effort on target.
Wednesday pulled three points ahead of Town in the Under 21 Professional Development League 2, but Frankie Bunn’s side have two games in hand.
Town: Allinson, Wilkinson, Carroll (Atkinson 68), Holmes (D), Wright, Boyle, Tronstad, Billing (B Holmes HT), Kennedy, Pyke (Bojaj HT), Booty. Subs not used: Guthrie, Horsfall.
