VIDEO: Fraser Preston rises to the challenge as Sheffield Wednesday's Under-23s go top

They laid down the challenge and the Scotland Under-19 international has duly delivered in the last two outings, hitting four goals.

Preston claimed a first half brace against the Robins to seal a fourth consecutive Owls victory and move Neil Thompson’s men above Bolton Wanderers into top spot in the Professional Development League Two North standings. Although Antoine Semenyo pulled one back after the break, Wednesday dug deep to extend their unbeaten streak to six matches.

Preston put the Owls ahead against the run of play in the 25th minute, firing a low shot past Jojo Wollacott after good approach play involving George Hirst and Jordan Lonchar.

His second was a stunning strike. The speedy winger cut in from the right flank and curled an unstoppable left foot piledriver into the top corner.

Thompson told The Star: “We have had one or two chats with Fraser in the last few months about not scoring enough goals. We have encouraged him to shoot more and he is starting to take his shots a little bit earlier. His second goal was out of the top-drawer and would have graced any pitch.

“As a forward player, you’re not just a provider. You have to put the ball in the back of the net and Fraser has done that in the last two games.”

Thompson also praised the resilience his youthful Wednesday side, featuring five scholars and goalkeeper Ben Williams, who is on trial from Liverpool, displayed at Hillsborough.

n Owls: B Williams; Baker, O’Grady, L Williams, West; Waldock (Borukov 77), Lee; Preston, Grant (Brennan 60), Lonchar(Hughes 69); Hirst. Substitutes: Wallis, Hunt.