A late Watford winner denied Danny Rohl at least a point in his first game as Wednesday boss this afternoon.
Sub Yaser Asprilla struck the only goal of the game on 82 minutes, leaving us still bottom of the Championship on three points, now nine adrift of safety and still looking for a first league win of the season.
Wednesday restricted Watford to few clear chances in the first halt while our best opening came when Josh Windass headed over from a Pol Valentin cross.
We began the second half in more aggressive fashion and Jeff Hendrick sent a header just off target.
The Owls were then awarded a penalty on 54 minutes when Anthony Musaba was adjudged to have been fouled by Jamal Lewis but, having awarded the spot kick, the referee was urged to consult his linesman by protesting Watford players and then changed his decision to a corner.
Seemingly boosted by this let-off, the home side began to dominate possession, without creating many chances.
However, that all changed eight minutes from time when Asprilla was allowed to dribble across the edge of the penalty area before drilling a low shot into the corner of the net.
While new boss Rohl will be disappointed not to take anything from his first game, he can also reflect on the improved energy, competitiveness and organisation of his side compared with what has gone before so far this season.
Dawson, Valentin, Iorfa, Diaby, Famewo, Hendrick (Smith 88), Bannan, Buckley (James 77), Paterson, Musaba (Wilks 61), Windass (Gregory 88). Unused subs: Vasquez, Vaulks. Byers, Bernard, Palmer.