Despite a determined second-half response from the Owlesses, they were unable to undo the damage that was done in the opening 45 minutes.
Wednesday travelled to West Yorkshire knowing that they faced a difficult challenge against the division’s table-toppers, who would ultimately prove to be the toughest opposition that they have encountered so far this campaign.
The opening half proved to be an intensely physical contest, with Thackley imposing themselves on proceedings through their strength, aggression and relentless pressure. The hosts made it difficult for Wednesday to establish any rhythm, consistently disrupting the visitors’ attempts to play their football.
Thackley capitalised on two corner-kick opportunities during the first stanza, converting both set-pieces to establish a commanding advantage. Wednesday struggled to contain the hosts’ physical presence in the penalty area, and the hosts made the most of their opportunities.
Wednesday looked to create chances of their own, with Daisy Munn firing an effort over the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area, but at the opposite end, a defensive mix-up threatened to present Thackley with another opening… A crucial last-ditch challenge from Rebekah Pratley prevented further danger.
The hosts continued to apply pressure, and added a third before the interval - leaving Wednesday with a considerable challenge ahead. Kieron Lee made two changes at the break, with Daisy Munn and Vessey making way for Brooke Barnes and the returning Giovanna Petruccelli.
Barnes, stepping up from the Reserves for her first senior matchday involvement, was handed an opportunity to make an impression, while Petruccelli was back in the mix following a spell on the sidelines through injury.
The Owlesses emerged with renewed intent, and made a positive start to the second period, looking to establish a foothold in the contest despite the continued physical demands imposed by their opponents.
They were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area following a foul, and the resulting set-piece came agonisingly close to finding the net.
Thackley, however, continued to pose an attacking threat. A delivery into the Wednesday penalty area was initially dealt with by goalkeeper Coughlan, before a follow-up effort struck the crossbar. A scramble on the goal line eventually saw the ball forced into the net, extending the hosts’ advantage.
Despite Wednesday’s improved showing after the restart, the league leaders simply proved too strong, securing all three points at home and leaving the visiting side to head home to lick their wounds.
Having faced arguably their sternest test of the season so far, the Owlesses will now look to take lessons from a demanding afternoon in West Yorkshire as they turn their attention to their next fixture and the opportunity to return to winning ways.
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