Marvin Johnson's classy finish on the break was enough to grab the three points for the Owls, who laid everything on the line with a blistering defensive effort in the second half.
It wasn't necessarily a display of scintillating attacking football - though they had their moments - or one packed to the rafters with eye-catching individual performances. What was impressive was an incredible amount of scrap, a huge commitment to the cause and a plan that worked despite injuries and a late red card for George Byers.
Six points separate the Owls from the safety spots as we turn into the New Year.
Here are our ratings from a hugely impressive win at Deepdale.
Six points separate the Owls from the safety spots as we turn into the New Year.
![On for Vaulks towards the back end of the first half and did well, offering a firm hand alongside Palmer at the base of midfield and offering excellent passing accuracy. Sent off late to leave the stadium in a state of confusion.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/08/19/14/Byers%20UGC.png?crop=3:2&width=800)
13. George Byers - 6
On for Vaulks towards the back end of the first half and did well, offering a firm hand alongside Palmer at the base of midfield and offering excellent passing accuracy. Sent off late to leave the stadium in a state of confusion. | Getty / UGC
![On on the left as Wednesday used their last three subs. Got right into things with a couple of nice touches to set up an attack. Didn't have much of the ball but got about the pitch. Good to see him back.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/08/10/16/Windass%20UGC.png?crop=3:2&width=800)
14. Josh Windass - N/A
On on the left as Wednesday used their last three subs. Got right into things with a couple of nice touches to set up an attack. Didn't have much of the ball but got about the pitch. Good to see him back. | UGC / Getty Images
![On in midfield to offer Bannan a rest with a good chunk of the second half left. Positionally mature. Held things together nicely.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/08/12/14/Bakinson%20UGC.png?crop=3:2&width=800)
15. Tyreeq Bakinson - N/A
On in midfield to offer Bannan a rest with a good chunk of the second half left. Positionally mature. Held things together nicely. | UGC / Steve Ellis
![On up top to belt about and hold it up. Did everything he asked and more, setting up one attack of quality.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/08/12/16/Fletcher%20UGC.png?crop=3:2&width=800)
16. Ashley Fletcher - N/A
On up top to belt about and hold it up. Did everything he asked and more, setting up one attack of quality. | UGC / Steve Ellis