Wednesday continued their preparations for the new campaign with an impressive 3-0 victory away at Rossington, producing a strong all-round display in their penultimate pre-season fixture.

The contest also provided an early look at the opposition Wednesday will face when the league campaign gets underway.

Both sides had half-chances during a cagey opening 15 minutes, but Wednesday gradually began to take control, with some composed passing and intelligent movement allowing the visitors to establish themselves in the game.

Russell and Harrison-Devereux both went close as the pressure began to build before Wednesday eventually found the breakthrough.

Young produced an excellent ball over the top for Russell, who latched onto the pass before firing a low effort in off the post from the edge of the area to give Wednesday a deserved lead.

Despite controlling much of the opening period, Wednesday remained alert to Rossington’s threat on the counter. The back line of Davies, Jervis, Norcliffe and Smith stood firm, ensuring the visitors took their advantage into the interval.

HT: Rossington 0-1 Wednesday

Several changes followed at the break, alongside a switch in formation, but Wednesday quickly rediscovered their rhythm and continued to create opportunities.

The hosts’ goalkeeper was called into action on a number of occasions as Wednesday searched for a second.

A flowing move from the back involving Walsh, Boden and Baines almost produced it. Their combination play released Ward, whose excellent first touch gave her the opportunity to strike, but her effort flashed narrowly wide.

Wednesday’s defensive solidity provided the platform for the midfield to push forward, with Harrison-Devereux, Ward and Bennett continuing to cause problems in the final third.

The pressure eventually told.

Walsh drove forward before combining well with Boden and Baines to create an opening for Harrison-Devereux. Her effort was kept out by the Rossington goalkeeper, but Bennett was quickest to react, calmly converting the rebound to double Wednesday’s advantage.

Rossington responded with a positive spell of their own and looked to find a route back into the contest. Wednesday’s defence remained resolute, however, and when the hosts did manage to break through, Johnson produced an excellent save to preserve the clean sheet.

Wednesday then put the result beyond doubt with the move of the match.

Excellent defensive work from Walsh and Jervis regained possession before the ball found Baines, who delivered a superb 50-yard pass into the path of Bennett. The forward beat her defender before keeping her composure to finish beyond the goalkeeper and claim her second of the evening.

It capped an impressive performance from Wednesday, with contributions throughout the squad as preparations for the new campaign continued to gather momentum.

FT: Rossington 0-3 Wednesday

Our reserves now have one final pre-season fixture remaining, travelling to Buxton on Sunday before attention turns towards the start of the competitive campaign.

Goals

Russell
Bennett ×2

Player of the Match:
Imogen Harrison-Devereux

Manager’s Reaction

The manager was pleased with another valuable workout for the squad as preparations continue for the new season.

“It was a great run-out and another opportunity to get valuable minutes into the players ahead of the season starting in a few weeks.”

“Seeing so many of our young players step onto the pitch and play with bravery and confidence is fantastic to watch and incredibly rewarding from a coaching perspective.”

“We also have four players who have been called up to the first team by Kieron, which is a fantastic opportunity for them. I’m sure they’ll do themselves proud.”

“Everyone connected with the Reserves would also like to wish the first team the very best of luck in the FA Cup on Sunday.”

Thank you to Rossington for being fantastic hosts. We really appreciate their hospitality and wish them all the very best for the coming season.