In a crucial game in the fight for third in the NERWFL, Wednesday 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 the clash with Altofts.

In difficult conditions, with strong winds and a bobbly pitch, the game got off to a nightmare start. Altofts striker Grace Wilkinson struck within the opening two minutes, with her effort beating Holly Coughlan in the Wednesday goal.

Wednesday responded well to the early setback, showing real character against a physical Altofts side. Their persistence paid off 15 minutes before half-time through top scorer Nicole Shaw. A brilliant switch of play found Shaw outside the box, and she struck first time on the half volley, sending the ball into the top corner in emphatic fashion.

The sides went in at 1-1 at half-time, with Wednesday fully deserving to be back on level terms after a strong response.

Wednesday maintained their control going into the 2nd half, with the wind paying favours and blowing some very good balls over the Altofts backline. However, the home side were awarded a fortuitous penalty which Nadine Bates converted.

The Owlesses responded well once again, showing resilience and refusing to let their heads drop. They continued to battle for every ball and were rewarded in the 70th minute through Jodie Gregory, who reacted quickest to a loose ball and slotted into the bottom corner to make it 2-2.

Wednesday pushed for a winner and ultimately created the better chances of the two sides. The closest came through U18s talent Annie Hall, whose goal-bound effort was brilliantly saved by the Altofts goalkeeper, denying what looked a certain winner and ensuring the score-line remained 2-2.

Wednesday may feel slightly disappointed by not taking all three points, but plenty of positives to take moving forward after a hard-fought performance against a tough side in harsh conditions. Player of the Match was awarded to Annie Hall for a tireless performance on her first start for Wednesday.

Wednesday remain in 3rd after today's draw, with Altofts just a point behind with a game in hand. Next time out it is our penultimate game of the 25/26 season, as we face a tough test at home against title-challenging Leeds Modernians.

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

Goals: Shaw, Gregory.