Sheffield Wednesday Ladies opened their 2026/27 league campaign with a hard-earned point following a dramatic 3-3 draw away at York City Ladies Development.

Wednesday were forced to respond on three separate occasions and showed plenty of character to battle until the final whistle, with Nicole Shaw’s 90th-minute equaliser ensuring the points were shared.

The hosts made the perfect start, taking the lead from a corner after just four minutes.

Wednesday’s response was almost immediate. Annie Hall delivered a dangerous free kick into the area and Courtney Kaye was on hand at the back post to turn the ball home and bring the Owls level.

Wednesday thought they had completed the turnaround on 26 minutes when York’s goalkeeper spilled the ball and the visitors found the net, but the referee pulled play back and the goal was ruled out.

Instead, it was York who regained the advantage in the 38th minute. A strike from the edge of the area found the back of the net, just beyond the reach of Coughlan, sending Wednesday into the interval 2-1 behind.

The Owls emerged strongly after the restart and were level again within four minutes.

Shaw stepped up to take a corner and produced a superb delivery which bent directly into the net to make it 2-2.

There was a brief concern seven minutes later when Pratley required treatment following a head injury, but she was cleared to continue.

York came close to restoring their lead on 68 minutes when a threatening attack ended with an effort striking the post.

Wednesday then went close themselves. Abbie Hastie produced an inventive effort with the outside of her foot on 72 minutes, narrowly missing the near post.

With five minutes of normal time remaining, York struck again, squeezing an effort beyond Coughlan at the near post to leave Wednesday chasing the game for a third time.

But the Owls weren’t finished.

In the 90th minute, Shaw struck for the second time to drag Wednesday level once more and secure a point from a six-goal contest.

A game of two halves and a display full of character from Wednesday, who battled until the end to ensure they left York with something to show for their efforts.