TOWN'S hopes of automatic promotion from League I were severely dented as they suffered a disappointing derby defeat.

Simon Grayson's side would have leapfrogged Wednesday into third by winning the lunchtime showdown at the Galpharm.

But after an even first half, Spanish centre-back Miguel Llera fired Wednesday in front direct from a 53rd-minute free-kick.

Then on-loan Newcastle frontman Nile Ranger, having earlier hit the bar, fired home from Jermaine Johnson's pass as the visitors struck on the counter-attack in the 72nd minute.

Town skipper Peter Clarke had a headed goal disallowed for a foul on keeper Stephen Bywater, but the Owls were good value for the victory which gives them a six-point advantage over Town.