Sheffield Wednesday Ladies fell to a 5-0 home defeat against a strong, title chasing Leeds Modernians side, though the score-line did not reflect the performance shown on the pitch.

Wednesday came into the match unbeaten in three, but knew it would be a tough test against a Modernians side who could go top of the table with a win.

The first half was tightly contested, with both sides matching each-other for work rate and intensity in an end-to-end game. Clear-cut chances were limited early on, with both teams staying disciplined out of possession and organised. Wednesday battled persistently but struggled ultimately in the final third. Leeds eventually broke the deadlock following an error, meaning the Owlesses were 1-0 at the break despite a resilient showing.

The second half proved to be a tale of missed opportunities for Wednesday and clinical finishing from the visitors. Changes were made at half-time in midfield and up top to attempt to gain more control, meanwhile Leeds shifted into an aggressive 4-2-4 formation.

Amy Broomhead and Jodie Gregory both had promising chances, but luck wasn’t on Wednesday’s side and the Owlesses could easily have scored three or four against a top side.

On the other hand, Leeds were ruthless when their chances arrived. They shipped 4 goals past Holly Coughlan in the second half, including an excellent strike from midfielder Mia Moorhouse, who controlled the ball on the half-turn before finishing superbly.

In the end, it wasn't Wednesday's day and the score-line didn't reflect the performance or determination on display. Player of the Match was awarded to Rachel Norsworthy for a solid display at left back.

Next time, Wednesday are on the road to face 5th place Rossington for the final game of the campaign. Following Altofts' draw with York, Wednesday drop to 4th, separated just by goal difference.

With third place still achievable, Wednesday will aim for a win over Rossington and hope results elsewhere will go their way, as Altofts still have to face the league's top two sides.

Starting XI: Coughlan; Pratley, Lee, Yeardley, Norsworthy; Stancill, Hastie, Hall, Shaw; Kaye, Gregory. Subs: Broomhead, Birtles, Franklin.