Spirited Sheffield Wednesday Ladies fightback twice in 2-2 draw
Nicole Shaw and Jodie Gregory were on the scoresheet as Sheffield Wednesday come Ladies showed real character to grab a point on the road.
In a crucial game in the fight for third in the North East Regional Women's Football League, the Owlesses came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw away at Altofts.
Despite recent wins over Rossington and Millmoor, coach Kieron Lee had called for improved performances heading into their key clash on Sunday.
In difficult conditions, with strong winds and a bobbly pitch, the game got off to a nightmare start. The hosts’ striker, Grace Wilkinson, struck within the opening two minutes, with Holly Coughlan being beaten as Lee’s side fell behind early doors.
Wednesday responded well to the early setback, though, showing real spirit against a physical home. It took them a while, but their persistence eventually paid off 15 minutes before half-time through top scorer, Nicole Shaw. A brilliant switch of play found her just outside the box, and she struck first time on the half volley - sending the ball into the top corner in emphatic fashion.
So it was 1-1 as the sides went in at half-time, and Wednesday fully deserved to be back on level terms after a strong response to a horrible start.
SWLFC maintained their control going into the second stanza - this time with the wind in their favour - as Mother Nature blew some very good balls over the top of the Altofts backline. Sadly, however, it was the home side that found the third goal - scoring from the spot via Nadine Bates after being awarded a fortuitous penalty.
Once again, however the visitors responded well. By showing resilience, and refusing to let their heads drop, SWLFC kept up the pressure. They continued to battle for every ball, and were finally rewarded in the 70th minute through Jodie Gregory, who reacted quickest to a loose ball and slotted into the bottom corner. 2-2.
Wednesday tried to push for a winner as the game drew to a close, and ultimately created the better chances of the two sides. The biggest opportunity came through U18s talent, Annie Hall, whose goal-bound effort was brilliantly saved by the Altofts goalkeeper, denying what looked like a certain winner. The spoils were shared, but not through a lack of trying.
Wednesday may feel slightly disappointed not to taking all three points, but there were once again plenty of positives to take moving forward after a hard-fought performance against a tough side in harsh conditions. The Player of the Match award went the way of Hall for a tireless performance on her first start, and the Owlesses remained in third place. Altofts are just a point behind with a game in hand.
Next up for SWLFC is their penultimate game of the 25/26 season, with a tough test at home against title-challenging Leeds Modernians not too far away.
By Ollie Ledger
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