Will Vaulks’ stunner succumbed Wycombe Wanderers to their first home league defeat since October, as Sheffield Wednesday beat the Chairboys 1-0 at Adams Park.

The hosts were quick out of the traps as former Wednesday midfielder Lewis Wing forced Cameron Dawson into a low save just three minutes in, whilst Ryan Tafazolli fired the rebound across the face of goal.

Wanderers continued to press the promotion-pusher’s backline as Tafazolli again went close, but his close-range header from a Jordan Obita corner went over the target minutes later.

But on 13 minutes, a moment of brilliance from Vaulks gave Darren Moore’s side the lead.

After receiving the ball from Calum Paterson, the ex-Cardiff man unleashed a rocket from 25-yards that flew past Max Stryjek and into his top-left-hand corner.

The stunning strike was only his second goal for the club since joining from Cardiff City last summer.

Wednesday nearly doubled their advantage on the half-hour mark, as Paterson’s close-range volley was brilliantly denied by Stryjek, whilst Vaulks hit his rebound over.

During the second period, the Chairboys struggled to create any clear-cut chances as the match was predominantly played in the middle of the park.

However, Brandon Hanlan’s header forced Dawson into a stop on 55 minutes.

Down the other end, Josh Windass’ free-kick was smothered away by Stryjek.

Gareth Ainsworth threw the kitchen sink for the final 10 minutes as Sullay Kaikai, Sam Vokes, Nick Freeman and Jason McCarthy all came on to find the equaliser, but the afternoon belonged to the Owls, who took more than 2,000 fans to Buckinghamshire.

Up next for Wanderers is an away trip to Bristol Rovers on January 21.

They next play at Adams Park three days after their trip to the West Country, as they will host Thames Valley rivals and M40 neighbours, Oxford United.