In a fixture which has historically proven difficult, Sheffield Wednesday Ladies showed real resilience to earn a hard-fought point away at Lower Hopton in their first game of the year. On a heavy, boggy pitch which made flowing football difficult, both sides had to dig deep.

Coach Kieron Lee took charge this weekend with a smaller squad than normal. The opening exchanges were evenly contested, with Wednesday working hard to impose themselves despite challenging conditions. Chances were a premium in the first half as both sides struggled to find a rhythm on the surface.

The sides were still goalless at the break, before Lower Hopton took the lead shortly after half-time, leaving Wednesday searching for a response. The goal could've knocked the confidence out of Wednesday, but instead it sparked a strong response. The Owlesses dug deep, showing real determination to claw their way back into the game.

The pressure eventually paid off when striker Amy Broomhead equalised to make it 1-1 with time still left in the game to go on and take all 3 points. Wednesday pushed for a winner and came agonisingly close on two occasions, only to be denied by a pair of spectacular saves from the Lower Hopton goalkeeper.

The game finished 1-1, and that result propels Wednesday up to a lofty 2nd in the NERWFL. MOTM went to fullback Bekah Pratley, who was defensively solid all game round. Next time out, we are on the road again, this time against Altofts.

Starting XI: Coughlan; Pratley, Birtles, Lee, Yeardley, Vessey; Stancill, Hastie; Norsworthy, Shaw, Broomhead. Subs: Crossland, Rose.