TOWN'S Academy side stepped up to second team level but failed to stop the Owls taking victory in this Pontin's Holidays League Cup preliminary round tie.

After a goalless first half, Wednesday, watched by new boss Paul Sturrock, got the breakthrough on 56 minutes, when an accurate long ball from the right by Ross Greenwood fell kindly to Jon Shaw, who had peeled away from his marker and headed back across goal and beyond keeper Jacob Giles.

Wednesday's second, 10 minutes from time, was also created by Greenwood, who set up Martin Drury to beat his teammate Rory McArdle to the crucial touch.

Despite Wednesday's blend of youth and experience, Town's young guns were not overawed, or overrun.

Gavin Huxall caused consternation in the Owls penalty area after only 30 seconds, but Drury got back to clear off the line.

Eager Town certainly got stuck in and were not lacking in commitment, with both captain Aaron Hardy and Tom Clarke booked for over zealous tackles.

Lame Wednesday appeals for a penalty after Clarke's challenge on Shaw were waved away by referee David Birkett on 38 minutes.

Town were driven forward with an assured display by midfielder Michael Collins, who is in the squad for tonight's LDV Vans Trophy tie against Morecambe, while James Hand made strong, effective runs down the left.

On 51 minutes Hand launched a deep up-and-under which put goalkeeper Ola Tidman under pressure, but he recovered to palm clear.

Wednesday's Dario Mazzola planted a near-post header wide as the game opened up.

Town's swift counter-attack led by Matthew Young should have been rewarded, but his probing cross evaded Gavin Huxall and Mark Sheridan.

Town Reserves: Giles, Walls, Hand, Collins (Kerridge, 75mins), Clarke, Hardy, Caulfield (Highley, 72), Young (Racchi, 72), Huxall, Shaw, Sheridan. Subs not used: Biddle, Wilson.

Sheff Wed: Tidman, Greenwood, Drury, Needham, McArdle, Carr, Mazzola, McAllister (Brackenridge, 72mins), Shaw (Reet, 61mins), Nsungu (Talbot, 64mins), Cockerill. Subs not used: Pulter, Spurr.