Sheffield Wednesday Ladies lost the first Steel City derby of 2022/23 after a 4-2 defeat by SUFC Community Foundation.

The Owls came from a goal down to lead 2-1 early in the second half but paid the price for not putting the game to bed as United roared back to win off the back of two goals in the final ten minutes.

Amy Broomhead added to her tally for the season for SWLFC, with Molly Wilde slotting a penalty away, whilst former Wednesday players Charlotte Howe, Shannon Coughlan and Olivia Mellor were all on the scoresheet for SUFC.

In what was an even contest that could have gone either way, both teams enjoyed early chances before the hosts opened the scoring on the half hour mark, capitalising from a corner that SWLFC failed to deal with, leaving Howe with a simple finish from close range.

The Owls bounced back quickly though, working an opening from a set piece of their own that striker Broomhead was happy to take advantage of as the ball fell to her near the penalty spot, sweeping a calm finish past Megan Parkin in the SUFC net.

The teams went into half time tied at 1-1, and it was SWLFC who had the upper hand after the restart.

A good period of pressure resulted in a foul on Molly Wilde in the United box, with Wilde picking herself up to convert the resulting penalty for a 2-1 lead.

Wednesday would then spurn a series of solid chances and a failure to extend their advantage eventually came back to haunt Mick Bigley’s team.

With 20 minutes to go, SUFC were back on level terms and with momentum on their side, the closing stages of the game provided the hosts with all three points.

Coughlin got on the scoresheet, with Tia Needham then putting the Blades in front shortly after as she snuck in to convert a back post cross for 3-2, before Mellor scored a fourth as the Owls chased something from the contest.

Speaking after the match, interim manager Mick Bigley said: “If I was trying to be a neutral, I’d say that was a great game, and fairly contested between two teams who gave it everything.

“But I’m gutted for the girls as I can see how hard they worked on a heavy pitch, and I think they deserved something this afternoon.

“It wasn’t our day, but we accept that and move on. We’re getting there and those signs are what I want to see going forward.”

The result moves the Owls down a place in the NERWFL Southern table to 11th, three points plus a game in hand above bottom side Bradford (Park Avenue).

The Seniors return to SHU Sports Park next weekend for a clash with 6th place York Railway Institute and the league’s top scorer Jodie Langstaff.

Elsewhere this weekend, a number of our junior sides were involved in Cup clashes on Saturday morning.

Goals from Cody Harrison and Hannah Gough saw the U18s progress in the League Cup, knocking out Crosspool in the process.

The U16s are in the hat for the next round of the County Cup after a comprehensive 7-0 win against Middlewood Rovers Blue.

Having to wait after last weekend’s tie was called off due to a waterlogged pitch, Mika Russell (3), Kara Bennett (2), Ruby Whelan and Christina Smith all bagged goals for the Owls.

The U15s and U14s both progressed in the League Cup, with the 13s beating Penistone Church 3-1, whilst the 14s saw off SJR Worksop 4-0.

The League Cup runs of the U13s and U12s are over though, with the former losing out 2-1 away to AFC Norton Woodseats, and the 12s were beaten 2-1 by Doncaster Belles.

In the younger age groups, the U11 Whites played SJR Worksop, the U11 Blues took on SUFC Community, the U10s travelled to Armthorpe Welfare and the U9s hosted AFC Pogmoor.

Congrats to all four teams, who continue to play really well this season.

For more information on this story, please contact Dave Higgins, chairman@swlfc.co.uk