The Owls never looked like they were at the races, and were 2-0 down early in the first half after a sloppy opener from Mark Shelton and then a calamitous Jaden Brown own goal.
Darren Moore rang the changes at the break, but it turned out to be too little too late. Will Goodwin made it three, and Wednesday were deservedly booted out of the tournament by the Monkey Hangers.
It was truly a bad night at the office for the Owls, and they got what they deserved. Here’s how we rated things after 90 minutes.
. SHEFFIELD, GBR. DEC 1ST Will Goodwin of Hartlepool United and Jaden Brown of Sheffield Wednesday in action during the EFL Trophy match between Sheffield Wednesday and Hartlepool United at Hillsborough, Sheffield on Wednesday 1st December 2021. (Credit: Will Matthews | MI News)
Sheffield Wednesday were heavily beaten by Hartlepool United in the Papa John's Trophy. (Credit: Will Matthews | MI News) Photo: Will Matthews
. Joe Wildsmith - 4
Didn't make any glaring errors, but will have been disappointed with the goals conceded - especially the own goal. Not a night to remember. Photo: Steve Ellis
. Callum Paterson - 4
Donned the captain's armband for the evening, and put in a shift as a right centre back again. Not the best evening, but his effort can't be faulted. Photo: Steve Ellis
. Ciaran Brennan - 4
The youngster got another start, but didn't look as assured this time around... It was his back pass that led to the corner for the first goal. Almost scored in the first half. Photo: Steve Ellis
. Jaden Brown - 3
Had a torrid night as he filled in as a left-sided centre back. Scored an own goal to make it 2-0, and didn't have a good night at the office. Photo: Steve Ellis
. Olamide Shodipo - 4
Tried to make a few things happen, but didn't have much joy down the left-hand side and wasn't able to cause too many problems for Hartlepool. He was taken off at half time. Photo: Steve Ellis
1. Joe Wildsmith - 4
Didn't make any glaring errors, but will have been disappointed with the goals conceded - especially the own goal. Not a night to remember. Photo: Steve Ellis
2. Callum Paterson - 4
Donned the captain's armband for the evening, and put in a shift as a right centre back again. Not the best evening, but his effort can't be faulted. Photo: Steve Ellis
3. Ciaran Brennan - 4
The youngster got another start, but didn't look as assured this time around... It was his back pass that led to the corner for the first goal. Almost scored in the first half. Photo: Steve Ellis
4. Jaden Brown - 3
Had a torrid night as he filled in as a left-sided centre back. Scored an own goal to make it 2-0, and didn't have a good night at the office. Photo: Steve Ellis