The international break means that Henrik Pedersen’s side won’t be taking to the field on Saturday, but on Sunday afternoon Sheffield Wednesday Ladies will be doing their best to return to winning ways after seeing their unbeaten start to the season halted last weekend.
They face York City Ladies Development at the Jubilee Sports Club, and it’s free entry for the 2.30pm kick off… SWLFC would love to see some of those who’d usually be Hillsborough-bound head over to the Jubes to cheer them on.
“This Sunday, we need your help,” they said. “Wednesday is more than 90 minutes. More than one team. More than one ground. This Sunday, our First Team return to Clay Wheels Lane looking for a response — and they would love the Wednesday family there with them.
“Wherever. Whenever. Wednesday. Three words with a simple meaning… Following Wednesday doesn’t begin when the turnstiles open at Hillsborough, and it doesn’t have to end when the final whistle blows.
“It’s the badge. The colours. The people. The feeling of belonging to something that stretches far beyond 90 minutes… And this Sunday, there’s another Wednesday team pulling on the blue and white.
“Sheffield Wednesday Ladies are back at Clay Wheels Lane as our First Team welcome York City Ladies Development — and this weekend means a little more than simply playing another fixture.
“Last Sunday hurt. The Owlesses suffered their first defeat of the season, with a difficult afternoon bringing an excellent unbeaten start to an end.
“Football gives you very little time to dwell on disappointment, though. Seven days later, you go again… Another Sunday. Another 90 minutes. Another opportunity to respond. And this time, the players would love to have you there with them…
“Wednesday has never been defined by one postcode. For generations, supporters have followed Sheffield Wednesday around the country & around Europe.
“Home or away. Sunday or Wednesday. Sunshine or rain. If Wednesday are playing, Wednesdayites are there. That same support can stretch to Clay Wheels Lane… It might not be Hillsborough… There might not be tens of thousands of people alongside you.
“But the badge is still an owl. The shirts are still blue and white. And the players stepping onto that pitch are representing Sheffield Wednesday Football Club.”
The Wednesday Word spoke to club captain - and lifelong Wednesdayite - Jodie Stancill ahead of the clash, and she’s eager to see a response after last weekend’s defeat.
“We’re looking forward to getting back out there this weekend after drawing 3-3 with York City Development in our first game of the season away at their ground. We know we’ve got more to give, and the focus has been on working hard during the week, putting things into place and making sure we’re ready to give everything on the pitch.
“We want to play our style of football, move the ball with confidence and impose ourselves on the game. While we respect the opposition, we’ll be going into the match looking for the win and will be determined to put in a performance that we can all be proud of. We’re ready to work hard together as a team and give everything from the first whistle to the last.
“The support really does mean a lot to us. Seeing people heading over to the Jubilee and getting behind the ladies helps create a great atmosphere, especially when we’re out there battling for every ball. So if you can make it this weekend, get yourselves down and support us.”
Head over to the Jubilee at 2.30pm on Sunday, and support the Owlesses.
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