Jermaine Palmer continued his strong end to the season with the decisive goal in a tight encounter at the Britannia Stadium.

The youngster, fresh from making his senior debut just 48 hours earlier, celebrated with his second goal in two reserve games to keep the pressure on long-time leaders Walsall at the head of the Pontins league.

The striker slotted home on the stroke of half-time to give City a lead they held despite a late scare.

The visitors almost snatched the lead in the very first minute when Danny Reet forced Chris Sanna into an early save.

Lewis McMahon and Jon Shaw both shot over in a bright start by Wednesday, while Martin Patterson, Paul Williams and Brynjar Gunnarsson all spurned chances for City.

Just when it looked as if the teams would go in level at the break, Palmer struck with a well-taken goal, running at the Owls' defence before shooting home from 18 yards.

Wednesday oppressed for an equaliser after the interval and Marc Robins missed a good chance when he fired straight at Sanna.

Brian Barry-Murphy planted a 30 yard free-kick just over over before Jon Shaw  tested Sanna.

City were unlucky not to double the lead in the 83rd minute, when Paul Williams' ball from the halfway line put Martin Patterson clear but his shot was blocked by 'keeper Robert Pouter's legs.

Palmer ran 40 yards and cut through the visitors' defence only for Poulter to race from his line to block the shot.

There was late drama when Terry Cooke wasted Wednesday's best chance, volleying wide in the closing minutes, but City held on for a deserved win.

City: Sanna, Wilkinson, Dickinson, Williams, Keogh, Hill, Tortoiseshell, Patterson, Palmer, Denny, Gunnarsson. Subs (not used): Smith, Duggan, Graves, Musgrove, Swift.