A Louie Marsh header after the hour was all that separated the sides despite that dismissal as the Owlets worked hard in the face of a strong Blades outfit that included the likes of John Fleck, Ismaila Coulibaly and Ciaran Clark.
Tyreeq Bakinson and Jaden Brown were the first teamers on display for the boys in blue and white and many came out with credit.
Here are the ratings from a close run thing at S2.
9. Jay Glover - 6
Lining up in Wednesday colours for the first time since his loan at Gainsborough ended, he was part of a midfield that just about held on to their opponents. Went to toe-to-toe with Scotland international Fleck and came out with credit, though not every tackle was timed all too well and he drifted in and out just a touch. Photo: Steve Ellis
10. Jaden Brown - 6
Largely absent from the first half but made a powerful run at the start of the second half to spark a decent attack. Didn't do much wrong and got important miles on board but couldn't get into the game, didn't stand out and looks low on confidence. Photo: Steve Ellis Steve Ellis
11. Sam Durrant - 6
Bright when he got hold of it - and chances on that front were limited - and made a couple of important breaks out of nothing. Was on a hiding to nothing second half stationed up top on his own but worked hard. Photo: Lewis Storey
12. Luke Cook - 5
Pressed and harried as best he could up against a former Premier League player in Clark, but aside from that got next to no joy and couldn't get in the game. Off at half-time as they re-shuffled to atone for Alimi-Adetero's red. Photo: Steve Ellis