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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Really good piece Niamh 🦉