The Owls were knocked out of the Women’s FA Cup by local rivals Chesterfield following a 3-1 defeat.

The game started in difficult conditions for Wednesday, with the heat glaring down on the players away at Chesterfield.

It was the hosts who struck first in the 24th minute. Holly made the initial save from the first effort, but the ball unfortunately deflected off her leg and into the net to give Chesterfield the advantage.

However, Wednesday responded with some great attacking pressure and came agonisingly close to an equaliser in the first half. An inswinging corner went all the way towards goal and struck the post, before Hannah Baines then saw her header denied by the crossbar.

Ultimately, though, the Owls struggled to make the ball stick up front during the opening 45 minutes.

A half-time change in formation helped Wednesday rectify some of their struggles and become a greater threat going forward. The introduction of Sheridan Betts proved decisive, as just two minutes after coming onto the pitch she levelled the score.

The equaliser came following some great link-up play, with Jodie Stancill showing strength and determination to get the ball into the area. The ball then bobbled around the box before falling to Betts, who kept her composure to strike into the back of the net, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.

The Owls continued to enjoy spells of attacking pressure in the opposition half, creating further opportunities as they looked to complete the turnaround.

However, Chesterfield regained the lead in the 63rd minute from a corner before adding a third in the 72nd minute, with a one-on-one neatly finished beyond the goalkeeper.

Despite the result, Wednesday produced plenty of encouraging moments and good individual performances, particularly from Player of the Match and vice-captain Rebekah Pratley.

Credit also goes to Under-18s player Tilly Wainwright, as well as Hannah Baines, Sheridan Betts and Gracie Walsh, who stepped up from the reserves.

Speaking after the game, manager Kieron Lee said:

“Firstly, I want to congratulate Chesterfield and wish them all the best in the next round.

“I’m immensely proud of all our players today. They gave it everything.

“Obviously, we are disappointed not to go through to the next round of the FA Cup, but we now have the chance to get all the squad back from holiday and make sure we are ready for the season to kick off.”

SWLFC’s first league game of the 2026/27 campaign will take place away at Bottesford Town on Sunday 6 September, with kick-off at 2pm.

Written by Seb Muscroft - SWLFC Writer.