To celebrate the start of the SWLFC season, I’m offering a hefty discount on annual subscriptions, taking it from £50 for the year to £37.50.
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 Pavlov 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.
Thanks for being part of The Wednesday Word family. Your fiver a month helps fund the entire project - whether it’s the articles, the YouTube or the social media platforms. Your support is hugely appreciated! Don’t forget you can get 10% off at the TWW store - just drop me a message for your code!
