Marco Matias scored the only goal as Sheffield Wednesday beat Ilkeston in a pre-season friendly this evening.

Caolan Lavery had a couple of early chances for the Owls, bursting down the right before forcing a save from the home keeper, before attempting a header shortly afterwards.

Vincent Sasso set up another chance for Wednesday as they continued to dominate possession in the first half, but Tom Lees headed wide at the far post.

Sasso, who is on loan from Braga, had another couple of opportunities before half time, but saw his first strike cleared off the line, before volleying over from a corner.

Ilkeston's only chance in the opening 45 minutes was created by new signing Oliver Luto, but the 18-year-old's cross in to Rob Duffy was wasted as the striker sliced it well wide.

The Owls broke the deadlock shortly after the restart though as Matias played the ball in for Ross Wallace, who was denied by a save, only for the Portuguese midfielder to fire on the rebound.

Wallace had another chance to get on the scoresheet just before the hour mark as he unleashed a powerful curling shot from range, but Ilkeston keeper Evandro Rachoni made the save.

The Brazilian shot-stopper had to be alert again as Sergiu Bus tried to double the visitors' lead, while Ryan Croasdale was also denied by Rachoni in the final five minutes.