Wednesday came into the fixture on the back of an impressive 2-1 victory over a strong Knaresborough Town side in their opening home game, and were looking to extend their unbeaten run.

The game began at a high tempo, with neither side afforded much time in possession during the opening exchanges.

Evolution created the first opportunity after winning possession high inside the Wednesday half, with their striker managing to get a shot away before being closed down… The resulting deflection earned the visitors a corner, but nothing came of it.

Wednesday soon began to build some attacking momentum of their own, and went agonisingly close to opening the scoring. Courtney Kaye raced onto a through ball and found herself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, only to see her effort come back off the post.

Despite that promising spell, it was Evolution who broke the deadlock in the 14th minute. A ball over the top released the visitors’ striker, who raced through before calmly lifting her finish over the advancing Megan Parkin.

The opener shifted the momentum in Evolution’s favour, and the away side began to apply sustained pressure to the Wednesday defence.

That pressure told in the 24th minute when another through ball from midfield opened up the Owls’ back line once again, allowing the Evolution forward to race clear and finish neatly to double the visitors’ advantage.

Wednesday struggled to regain control following the second goal, and Evolution capitalised again seven minutes later. Their number nine latched onto another through ball before finding the bottom-left corner to make it 3-0.

The Owls needed an immediate response and almost found one a minute later. Some excellent footwork from Nicole Shaw took her beyond two defenders inside the penalty area and into a shooting position, but her effort was blocked before it could trouble the goalkeeper.

Evolution remained in control, however, and added a fourth in the 39th minute. Their number nine again found space beyond the Wednesday defence before racing through and firing home.

Wednesday looked to steady themselves before the interval, and fashioned another opportunity late in the half, unfortunately the resulting effort was comfortably dealt with by the Evolution goalkeeper.

The Owls emerged for the second half with four personnel alterations, and a change of shape as they sought a response.

Thankfully the subs had an immediate impact, with Wednesday beginning the half on the front foot. Their first opportunity arrived in the 50th minute when a free-kick was delivered into the path of Kaye, though her effort found the side netting.

Three minutes later, Wednesday got themselves on the scoresheet through Amy Broomhead… A well-weighted ball over the top released Broomhead, who brought it under control before firing beyond the goalkeeper to reduce the deficit.

The goal gave the Owls renewed impetus, and Wednesday began to pose a greater attacking threat as they searched for another way back into the contest.

Jodie Gregory tried her luck on a couple of occasions, with the best of those efforts coming from her own half after spotting the Evolution goalkeeper off her line. Her ambitious strike beat the goalkeeper but crashed against the crossbar before eventually falling safely into her hands.

As the clock ran down, Wednesday made further changes in an attempt to find another breakthrough, and did create a couple of late opportunities, but weren’t able to convert.

The referee’s final whistle confirmed a 4-1 defeat and brought an end to Wednesday’s unbeaten start to the campaign… It wasn’t a performance to remember, and Keiron Lee spoke afterwards about a need for improvement.

“We’ve all got to take responsibility for that,” he said. “The team that were out there weren’t good enough. Obviously, as the coach, I set it up, and it was just a really poor performance.

“After a couple of words at half-time, you have to forget about that first half and go again in the second. We improved a little bit in the second half and we won the second half, but the plan was to win the second half by four goals. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen.”

The Owlesses are back in action on Sunday afternoon as they play host to York City Ladies Development at 2pm.

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The Owlesses returned to SWFC Community Training Ground on Sunday for their first home game of the 2026/7 season. Following a spirited display away at York last week, Kieron Lee’s girls looked to build on their 3-3 draw and get a first win on the board.

It was a dynamic start from SWLFC, who continually worked the ball into good positions and regained possession quickly to keep sustained pressure on the opposition… And their tenacity paid off within 10 minutes. New signing, Giovanna Petrucelli, showed great determination to get into the box from left back, and was rewarded by a brilliant flick inside which she was able to finish coolly.

Wednesday didn’t take their foot off the gas at 1-0, though, and it wasn’t long before they got a second. Romy Lee played a great ball down the line, which Jodie Gregory latched onto before taking the ball into the box, twisting and turning before putting in a dangerous cross… It deflected off the Knaresborough defender to put the home team 2-0 up.

Despite an overwhelmingly positive start, there was unfortunately some concern for Milly Colford, who had to be carried off the pitch after being on the receiving end of a heavy challenge in midfield.

As the half continued, the game became slightly stretched. A Knaresborough ball upfield left the Wednesday defence a bit short, and Eva Jenkins’ shot cannoned off the post - perhaps providing a warning not to underestimate the opposition. They may be newly-promoted, but the away side have achieved four successive promotions, proving their ability to adapt quickly to increasingly difficult competition.

Nevertheless, Wednesday remained dominant and defensively solid. They were particularly effective when turning the Knaresborough defence and slipping the ball in behind. They explored different styles of play, too; right back, Imogen Yeardley, saw a deep cross was met Gregory, whose header looked destined for the net but drifted just past the post. Courtney Kaye couldn’t quite reach it at the byline. Knaresborough goalkeeper, Victoria Naylor, made a number of impressive saves throughout the half, including a double save after Kaye had latched onto a misplaced back pass.

The home team deservedly went into half-time at 2-0.

Onto the second half, and it started scrappier. The visitors pulled a goal back after some offside confusion allowed runners to break towards goal… The defenders recovered well, but Jennifer Pavlou was able to find enough space to squeeze the ball into the net.

Thankfully the hosts reacted well to the goal, and regained control of the game midway through the second half. Nicole Shaw had two opportunities in quick succession; first she struck the inside of the post after being teed up by Kaye, before turning well in the box but firing wide of the target.

Wednesday were effective on the transition and looked the likelier of the two sides to get the next goal, with Lee continuing to rotate players in an attempt maintain energy and impact. Knaresborough did win a free-kick in a dangerous position towards the end of the half, but couldn’t pose a serious threat to the home defence.

And so the match ended 2-1, with Wednesday continuing their unbeaten start to the season. The Owlesses showed plenty of promise and a strong foundation to build on, especially given how well the new signings integrated into the team. Next up, Altofts Ladies away.

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After a 3-3 draw against York City Ladies Development in their opening league fixture, Kieron Lee’s troops will be eager to pick up their first victory of the campaign as they return to home soil.

While the bulk of last year’s squad has stayed together, there were a couple of new faces this week as Giovanna Petruccelli and Megan Parkin came aboard, with Parking back at the club having spent the last few years with Handsworth.

Speaking about the new duo, the Owlesses boss said, “Megan joins us from the Handsworth first team… She commands her area very well, and has bags of experience. She’s good with both feet and is very confident, too. She’s a great signing and it’s good to have her back.

“Gio comes to us from the IDA program at Sheffield Uni. She’s from New York, and is a gifted left back who can also play in midfield. She’s got plenty of pace and likes to get forward, so I think she’ll be a great addition to our squad.”

Today’s clash against Knaresborough is set for 2pm, and will take place at the SWFCCP Sports Facility on Claywheels Lane. It’s free.

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The Owlesses got their league campaign underway with a six-goal thriller away at York City Ladies Development on Sunday afternoon.

Wednesday were forced to respond on three separate occasions, and showed plenty of character to battle until the final whistle - with Nicole Shaw’s 90th-minute equaliser ensuring the points were shared.

The hosts made the perfect start, taking the lead from a corner after just four minutes… Wednesday’s response was almost immediate, though, with Annie Hall delivering a dangerous free kick into the area - and Courtney Kaye was on hand at the back post to turn the ball home and bring the Owls level.

Wednesday thought they had completed the turnaround on 26 minutes as York’s goalkeeper spilled the ball and the visitors found the net, but the referee pulled play back and the goal was unfortunately ruled out.

Instead, it was York who regained the advantage, doing so in the 38th minute. A strike from the edge of the area was just beyond the reach of Holly Coughlan, and meant the visitors headed into the interval 2-1 behind.

The Owls emerged strongly after the restart, though, and were level again within four minutes… Shaw stepped up to take a corner, and produced a superb delivery which bent directly into the net to make it 2-2… An Olimpico one matchday one.

There was a brief concern seven minutes later when Rebekah Pratley required treatment following a head injury, but she was cleared to continue after a brief stoppage.

York then came close to restoring their lead in the 68th minute when a threatening attack ended with an effort striking the post, before Wednesday went close themselves as Abbie Hastie produced an inventive effort with the outside of her foot, narrowly missing the near post.

With five minutes of normal time remaining, York struck again, squeezing an effort beyond Coughlan at the near post to leave Wednesday chasing the game for a third time… But the Owls weren’t finished - they don’t give up that easily.

And their endeavour was rewarded in the 90th minute. It was Shaw again, who struck for the second time to drag Wednesday level once more and secure a point from a six-goal contest. It was no less than they deserved.

It was a game of two halves, and a display full of character from the Owlesses, who battled until the end to ensure they left York with something to show for their efforts. Kieron Lee will have been pleased with their battling spirit.

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SWLFC take on York City Ladies Development in their opening fixture on Sunday afternoon at 2pm, with the clash taking place at York St John University Sports Park.

Wednesday don’t quite have a full squad available with Jess Birtles and Amy Broomhead unable to feature, but Kieron Lee will be hoping to see his side get off to a winning start after a solid campaign last time out.

Ahead of the tie we thought we’d catch up with the Owlesses boss to give us a bit of an introduction to those that will be donning the blue and white stripes in the months to come. Here’s what he had to say…

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1. Holly Coughlan - Goalkeeper

3. Imogen Yeardley - Centre back

5. Romy Lee - Centre back

6. Jodie Stancill © - Centre midfield

7. Eleanor Vessey - Full back

8. Amy Broomhead - Striker

10. Abbie Hastie - Centre midfield

11. Rachel Norsworthy - Full back

12. Jessica Birtles - Centre back

14. Rebekah Pratley (VC) - Centre back

15. Molly Crossland - Defensive midfield

16. Annie Hall - Centre midfield

17. Milly Colford - Centre midfield

18. Eve Bennett - Winger

19. Nicole Shaw - Striker

21. Jodie Gregory - Striker

43. Courtney Kaye - Attacker

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Wednesday Ladies took to the pitch on Sunday afternoon in the preliminary round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup for their first competitive game of the 2026/27 season. After a successful preseason which saw Wednesday Ladies go undefeated - and retain a number of key players - the team looked to start the season with a win.

It was a tense start, too, with the sun beating down overhead, and both teams seemed to be sizing each other up. Wednesday showed promise, with some dangerous deliveries and neat bits of link-up play, while Chesterfield had a few blocked shots on goal.

The visitors had the first major chances, too, with Annie Hall’s smart deliveries from corners almost giving the Owls the opening twice. One ball floated over everyone and looked destined to nestle in the back of the net, but the post came to Chesterfield’s rescue, allowing them to clear the rebound. The subsequent corner also went to the back post, and was met this time by Hannah Baines, who was frustrated again by the woodwork as the ball bounced agonisingly along the bar.

Despite the Owlesses’ positive start, it was the home side who got the opener midway through the half. They worked a throw-in into Zoey Borland in a dangerous position inside the box, who spun away from her marker and slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, leaving goalkeeper Holly Coughlan with no chance.

Chesterfield had the advantage going into half time, but Wednesday made a positive start to the second half. Manager, Kieron Lee, had switched to a more attacking formation and brought on some attacking firepower - which did certainly impact the game. Striker, Courtney Kaye, added presence in attack, and captain, Jodie Stancill, seemed to be freed up to showcase some more technical flair.

And SWLFC were awarded for their positivity just after the 60-minute mark. Their pressure continued after a dangerous shot led to a goal kick as Wednesday quickly regained possession, and Baines drove into the box before sliding the ball across to substitute Sheridan Betts, who coolly finished.

At 1-1, Wednesday looked to build momentum, but Chesterfield were a strong opponent and posed a constant threat from set-pieces. They regained the lead from a corner, with Tayana Dunn delivering to the back post, with Maisie Gallagher - who put in a Player of the Match performance in defence for Chesterfield - ghosted in to meet the ball.

Chesterfield began to apply some more pressure, and their third goal was conceded in an unlucky manner. Dunn drove at Wednesday’s retreating defence and did well to create some space before playing the ball to Cerys Brooks, who had worked hard to get forward and join the attack. Her initial shot drew a good save from Coughlan, but the ball rebounded off Brooks, and this time the ball trickled into the bottom corner.

It was an uphill battle to come from two goals behind, and Wednesday simply weren’t able to fight back. The final whistle brought the Owls’ cup campaign to a close at the first hurdle, and it was the hosts who progressed into the next round.

Lee reflected candidly on the match afterwards, insisting that he was ‘proud of the girls’ and their performance, adding ‘it is what it is, and we wish Chesterfield the best for the season’

Wednesday will now turn their attention to the start of their league campaign in two weeks’ time, which begins with a visit to Bottesford Town on Sunday 6th September.

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Shaw is only 20, and has a bright future ahead of her. This season her 11 goals and three assists across all competitions had her tied with Amy Broomhead for total G/A, and the Penistone local had a big role to play in the Owlesses’ fifth-place finish.

Coming from a family of Wednesday fans, the attacker is relishing the opportunity to play in blue and white. And her family are enjoying it, too.

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The Owlesses look likely to finish fifth in the North East Regional Women’s Football League South, three places higher than last season, and with six points more than they amassed over the course of the 2024/25 campaign.

It marks a season of progress for SWLFC, who will now be looking to add to their squad over the summer in order to try and finish even higher in their upcoming campaign. It won’t be easy, but they’re hopeful of keeping hold of their key players - and building on what they achieved this time around.

Their manager, who returned to the fold for the final stretch of the season, is aiming high.

Wednesday Ladies eye further progress

“Looking back on our season I am pleased with the progress the squad has made,” Lee told The Wednesday Word. “We have a talented group who are loyal and always looking to learn and improve. We have built an identity into the first team squad, and the results at times have shown we are going in the right direction.

“The youngsters who have been given an opportunity have all done really well. Looking at new players coming in, we will be holding trials and I definitely want to look to give some of our youngsters at the club the opportunity to push for a shot at first-team football. All in all, it’s been a good season - but we want to improve and push for a higher league finish next season.”

In terms of key performers, Nicole Shaw, finished up as the club’s top goalscorer with 11 - one ahead of Amy Broomhead (10) - while Rachel Norsworthy’s six assists saw her claim the title of top creator.

Both Shaw and Broomhead contributed a total of 14 G/A, the highest of anyone in the side, while Imogen Yeardley - with her 20 appearances - went down as the most-used player. All are set to play a big role in 2026/27, with some fresh faces set to join the fight as well.

The Owlesses’ campaign drew to a close in exasperating fashion as a second-half goal sealed the points for the home side. It means that Kieron Lee’s side will finish either fourth, fifth or sixth in the North East Regional Women’s Football League South.

It was a very end-to-end encounter from the get-go, with both sides struggling to assert themselves due to the poor standard of the pitch. Despite this, Wednesday looked the better of the two sides, however were missing that crucial quality in the final third.

The sides went into the break level, with a more clinical edge in front of goal required in order to find the breakthrough, though big chances had been few and far between.

The second half followed a similar trend, with the game continuing to be stretched and with lack of quality opportunities for both sides. Wednesday controlled possession, but it couldn’t make it stick in key attacking areas, making it easier for the hosts’ backline to fight them off.

Then, against the run of play, Rossington managed to find the back of the net. It was Alice Linsell who got it, opening the scoring in what had been a pretty even game of football.

One of those days

Though the visiting team pushed forward in search of an equaliser, the game continued in a similar manner to how it had played out prior to the goal - and ultimately Lee’s side were unable to find a breakthrough.

A late chance fell to Jodie Gregory, whose effort looked goal-bound, only for Rossington goalkeeper Niamh Trayner to pull off a wonder save and deny the Owlesses what would have been a deserved equaliser. It was going to be one of those days.

So that was how the game concluded, with SWLFC’s final outing of the 25/26 campaign ending in a narrow and frustrating defeat. It was a disappointing way to finish the season, especially with third place on the cards, but the work rate and determination of this squad couldn’t be faulted. Especially that of Alex Pruitt, who landed the Player of the Match award after a battling individual performance.

With that, a season of up-and-downs came to a close… As things stand, Wednesday Ladies look set for a fifth-place - though that depends on results elsewhere - and that’s a significant improvement on last year.

Across all competitions, it was attacker, Nicole Shaw, who finished up as the club’s top goalscorer with 11 to her name, one ahead of Amy Broomhead (10), while Rachel Norsworthy’s six assists saw her claim the title of top creator. Both Shaw and Broomhead contributed a total of 14 G/A, the highest of anyone in the side, while Imogen Yeardley - with her 20 appearances - went down as the most-used player.

Now, with a busy summer ahead, changes are expected at SWLFC - and they’ll be hoping to climb even further up the table come this time next year.

By Ollie Ledger

The title-chasing Mods put the Owlesses to the sword on Sunday afternoon, although the scoreline probably didn’t reflect the overall performance shown on the pitch by the home side.

Wednesday came into the match unbeaten in three, but knew it would be a tough test against a Modernians side who could go top of the table with a victory.

The first half was a tightly-contested one, with both sides matching each other for work rate and intensity in what was proving to be an end-to-end game. Clear-cut chances were limited early on, with both teams staying disciplined and organised in and out of possession. Wednesday battled persistently but struggled ultimately in the final third.

And it was the team from Leeds who eventually broke the deadlock, with an error from the hosts seeing them go into the break with a 1-0 deficit, despite a resilient showing.

Missed chances prove costly

The second half proved to be a tale of both missed opportunities for Wednesday, and clinical finishing from the visitors. Changes were made at half-time in midfield and up top to attempt to gain more control, but the Mods shifted into an aggressive 4-2-4 formation that put them on the front foot.

Amy Broomhead and Jodie Gregory both had promising chances, but luck wasn’t on Wednesday’s side. The Owlesses could easily have scored three or four against a top side, but were left to rue their lack of clinicalness.

Leeds, meanwhile, were the opposite. The promotion-chasers were ruthless when their chances arrived, putting four past Holly Coughlan in the second half - including an excellent strike from midfielder Mia Moorhouse, who controlled the ball on the half-turn before finishing superbly.

In the end, it wasn’t Wednesday’s day, and while end result somewhat flattered the visitors, it will have given Kieron Lee plenty of food for thought. The Player of the Match was awarded to Rachel Norsworthy for a solid display at left back, though it won’t be an afternoon that any SWLFC player will remember too fondly.

Now Wednesday turn their attentions to Rossington Main, and the final game of the campaign. Following Altofts’ draw with York over the weekend, the Owlesses dropped to 4th - though only on goal difference…

With third place still achievable, Wednesday will be aiming for a win in the season finale, while hoping that results elsewhere go their way. Altofts still have to face the league’s top two sides, so a top-three finish is by no means out of reach for the women in blue and white.

By Ollie Ledger

The Owlesses are finishing the season strongly, and are looking good to secure a top-four finish in the North East Regional Southern Division. Lee, who has spent time as manager before, was brought in to lead the team forward after Andy Gilligan’s recent departure, and what has followed is seven points from a possible nine.

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In a world where the women’s game is growing faster than ever, where millions of pounds are being paid for some of its brightest talents, there are still teams being left to pick up scraps despite bearing the name of professional clubs paying out seven-figure salaries.

Wednesday Ladies are one such club, and after being left to fend for themselves under the reign of Dejphon Chansiri, recent conversations have given them hope for a brighter future that might see them taken under the wing of the club whose badge sits on their chest.

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In a crucial game in the fight for third in the North East Regional Women's Football League, the Owlesses came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw away at Altofts.

Despite recent wins over Rossington and Millmoor, coach Kieron Lee had called for improved performances heading into their key clash on Sunday.

In difficult conditions, with strong winds and a bobbly pitch, the game got off to a nightmare start. The hosts’ striker, Grace Wilkinson, struck within the opening two minutes, with Holly Coughlan being beaten as Lee’s side fell behind early doors.

Wednesday responded well to the early setback, though, showing real spirit against a physical home. It took them a while, but their persistence eventually paid off 15 minutes before half-time through top scorer, Nicole Shaw. A brilliant switch of play found her just outside the box, and she struck first time on the half volley - sending the ball into the top corner in emphatic fashion.

So it was 1-1 as the sides went in at half-time, and Wednesday fully deserved to be back on level terms after a strong response to a horrible start.

SWLFC maintained their control going into the second stanza - this time with the wind in their favour - as Mother Nature blew some very good balls over the top of the Altofts backline. Sadly, however, it was the home side that found the third goal - scoring from the spot via Nadine Bates after being awarded a fortuitous penalty.

Once again, however the visitors responded well. By showing resilience, and refusing to let their heads drop, SWLFC kept up the pressure. They continued to battle for every ball, and were finally rewarded in the 70th minute through Jodie Gregory, who reacted quickest to a loose ball and slotted into the bottom corner. 2-2.

Wednesday tried to push for a winner as the game drew to a close, and ultimately created the better chances of the two sides. The biggest opportunity came through U18s talent, Annie Hall, whose goal-bound effort was brilliantly saved by the Altofts goalkeeper, denying what looked like a certain winner. The spoils were shared, but not through a lack of trying.

Wednesday may feel slightly disappointed not to taking all three points, but there were once again plenty of positives to take moving forward after a hard-fought performance against a tough side in harsh conditions. The Player of the Match award went the way of Hall for a tireless performance on her first start, and the Owlesses remained in third place. Altofts are just a point behind with a game in hand.

Next up for SWLFC is their penultimate game of the 25/26 season, with a tough test at home against title-challenging Leeds Modernians not too far away.

By Ollie Ledger

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It wasn’t a fast start from the Owlesses, with Millmoor making things difficult early on and preventing the visitors from settling into their usual rhythm. Despite that, Kieron Lee’s side were able to show their quality when it mattered.

Just past the 10-minute mark, their new signing, Keely Franklin, broke the deadlock with a close-range goal right into the roof of the net, marking her third goal in just two appearances for Wednesday.

Then, 15 minutes later, the lead was doubled by Nicole Shaw… And in style, too. She took on a couple of Millmoor players before calmly slotting into the corner - a tidy finish, and her first goal since returning.

Going into half-time, the visitors were 2-0 up in tricky conditions and could be pleased with their efforts against a home side putting up a great fight as they battle to stay in the division.

Despite their valiant efforts, the hosts were simply outclassed by Wednesday. And it was substitute, Courtney Kaye, who delivered the final blow. Her acrobatic effort on the half volley made it 3-0 to seal the win, and also made it two goals in two games for the striker.

While Wednesday weren’t quite at their best, they did remain defensively solid at Droppingwell Road and took the chances that were presented to them. Standout performances came from Imogen Yeardley and Bekah Pratley, with the duo sharing the Player of the Match award for their composed display at the back.

That win saw Lee’s troops move up to third in the table with just three games left to go in the season, and they’re looking to finish strongly. Next weekend, on the road again, comes a massive fixture for the Owlesses as they seek a top-three finish - they face Altofts, who sit just two points behind in fourth, and have a big chance to take ownership of their current position.

By Ollie Ledger

Following last week’s disappointing result against Handsworth, returning manager Lee looked to hit the ground running as Wednesday took on Rossington.

The first ten minutes set the pace for what would be a chaotic ninety minutes of football, with neither team able to establish any real control early on.

The first breakthrough came in the twelfth minute when a lovely low-driven ball through drew the Rossington keeper off her goal line. In a rash decision, the ‘keeper cleaned out Jodie Gregory, and Wednesday were awarded a penalty. It was coolly slotted home by Keeley Franklin to give the hosts an early lead.

They came close to doubling their lead almost immediately, too, when Rachel Norsworthy whipped in a superb cross towards captain, Eleanor Vessey… Unfortunately, the skipper couldn’t quite get her toe to the ball to steer it home.

Not long after, in the 21st minute, Rachel Norsworthy delivered another great cross from the right-hand side. This time around a goal looked certain as Gregory met the ball first in acres of space, but the effort rolled agonisingly wide of the post and it remained 1-0.

The Owlesses’ number 21 didn’t take long to redeem herself though, doubling Wednesday’s lead soon afterwards with a powerful header as she rose above the away centre-back to head home.

Wednesday weren’t resting on their laurels, and continued to press forward as they looked to close out the half. Amy Broomhead’s well-struck attempt rattled the woodwork in the 35th minute, but it would be Franklin who grabbed a deserved third goal of the half. After a defensive mishap presented the ball to Vessey, the captain laid it off to the number nine, who expertly lifted the ball into the roof of the net from close range. The hosts ended a dominant first-half display with three goals to show for it.

Momentum shifted after the restart, Lee’s troops took a little time to settle into the game again. Rossington were enjoying their best spell of the game, but against the run of play the home side made it four.

A long ball over the top from Imogen Yeardley was met in the air by Gregory, and her clever knock-on created a one-on-one opportunity for Broomhead. It was bread and butter for the striker, and she made no mistake as she calmly placed the ball past the goalkeeper.

Rossington, to their credit, continued to grow into the game and were eventually rewarded with their first goal, converting a penalty following a handball decision in the box. A dangerous delivery bounced up onto the arm of Molly Crossland, giving the referee little choice.

The visitors’ momentum proved to be short-lived, though. With just over an hour played their defence was once again exposed by a simple ball over the top. Courtney Kaye extended the lead to 5–1 after finding herself with acres of space behind the back line, and she finished calmly from just inside the box. They were cruising, but the away side weren’t about to throw in the towel.

Lee Briggs’ side pulled another goal back when a well-taken chance fell to their right winger on the edge of the box, who neatly slotted into the bottom left corner. 5-2.

Again the hosts responded, though, and in the 72nd minute, Millie Colford was fouled around eight yards outside the penalty area after a late tackle from the defender. Colford stepped up herself, and with a worldie of a free-kick that nestled perfectly into the top right corner she made it 6–2.

Rossington rallied late, grabbing two consolation goals, but it wouldn’t change the final outcome. The first came in the 76th minute when an attempted cross hung in the air for what seemed like an eternity before looping over the Hollie Coughlan and bouncing into the roof of the net. The second, and final goal of the game arrived with six minutes of normal time remaining as a moment of individual brilliance saw Rossington’s winger strike a first-time effort from twenty-five yards that rocketed into the top corner. Coughlan stood no chance at all.

Despite the away side’s late efforts, Wednesday were thoroughly deserving winners at the Jubilee Sports Ground, and were delighted to claim their victory as the referee blew the final whistle. A 6-4 goalfest, and three big points on the board.

By Ollie Ledger