The Owlesses returned to Clay Wheels Lane looking for a response to last weekend’s disappointing 4-1 defeat to Evolution Ladies, and were hoping to see an increased crowd present with the men’s team not in action.
They needed a positive start, and they showed great attitude to get a goal within the first minute. Their determination allowed them to win the ball high up the pitch, before Nicole Shaw knocked it through to Amy Broomhead who finished well.
It was an open start to the game, with neither side able to enjoy much sustained possession and both goalkeepers were consistently called into action. Wednesday continued to show great energy across the pitch as they sought to maintain their early advantage.
York did respond to their early setback, though, and began to build momentum. A deflected through-ball put Elizabeth Ogilby one-on-one with Holly Coughlan but she was denied by the post before putting the rebound wide. Ogilby immediately got a chance to rectify her miss, however, picking up a loose clearance and slotting the ball into the net comfortably… She could’ve had another quickly after, too, but her headed finish was ruled out as offside.
Wednesday looked at their best when putting pressure on the backline, winning possession, and attacking quickly. On one such occasion, Annie Hall pinched the ball from the York defender before squaring it to Shaw - who unfortunately couldn’t keep her effort down.
Broomhead struck again around the half-hour mark, breaking the deadlock in brilliant fashion. Just inside the York half, she brought the ball down, noticed the goalkeeper off of her line and lifted it over her into the back of the net. The crowd enjoyed that one, and the home side led again. 2-1.
The away team remained a threat - especially from Sophia Drew’s long throws - but Wednesday remained resolute across the pitch. Coughlan was called into action a number of times, and did excellently to tip Bella Marshall’s freekick onto the crossbar before gathering the rebound.
The Owlesses went into half time with the lead, but it was too close to call the end result.
Both sides struggled to create chances at the start of the second half, but there was a real battling spirit to the game. New signing Daisy Munn made her debut for the home side, with the Canadian adapting quickly to the pace and physicality of English football.
Ogilby had several opportunities for the visitors, but Wednesday were equal to them. Again, Coughlan comfortably dealt with the efforts that came her way, while the defenders recovered well to keep the visitors at bay.
York’s best chances came from a string of corners, allowing the visitors to build sustained pressure, and it was during this passage of play that Wednesday were forced to make two goal-line clearances. The visitors were pushing, but the Owlesses were standing firm.
As the half went on, the home side were able to get on the ball more often, and gain increased control of the tie. Jodie Gregory came close from the edge of the box, with her effort curling narrowly wide of the post, and while York searched for an equaliser they weren’t able to fashion any significant chances.
As added time approached, Gregory was unfortunately forced off with injury, joining Jess Birtles, Rachel Norsworthy, Giovanna Petrucelli and Milly Colford on the Owlesses’ growing injury list. We’ll have to wait and see how long she faces out.
Ultimately, Wednesday’s attitude carried them through to the win. It feels like a big result; and takes them to 7 points from a possible 12. It also puts Broomhead on 3 goals in 2 games, and shows that Lee’s troops are able to adapt well to setbacks - even in his absence.
Birtles, who was responsible for managing the game, said that she was ‘so proud of the response’ after last week.
The team will now look forward to a trip to Thackley AFC Women, who currently sit on top of the table. With the standings still taking shape, and the results so far highlighting just how competitive this league is, Wednesday will be confident that they can challenge the league leaders.
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