It was a dull, dreary and cold Saturday morning, and our U10’s had to brave the conditions against Elsecar. The play was bright and energetic throughout the team, with plenty of stand out performances. Elsecar proved to be resolute as ever, holding a good shape and always carrying a threat going forward. Credit to the Owls though for matching up the formation with their well-drilled shape and fantastic passing through the lines. Player Of The Match awards go to Lucy for her first half display in particular and Tyra for how she performed in the second half.

As for our U12’s, they had to put in some resolute defending on a cold, wet and muddy turf. The team had to put up with a good passing Dronfield side, and they matched it with some brilliantly resolute defending and goalkeeping from Matilda, Rose, Ava, Lulu, and Nancy at the back. It was notably the first match for debutant Esmee who did great in midfield. Sophia also performed brilliantly in the final third for Wednesday.

Our U13’s Blue faced a formidable Sprotbrough & Cusworth Crusaders, a team known for their physicality and strength. The match kicked off with high energy, and our Owlesses quickly found the net, taking an early lead. However, the Crusaders swiftly equalised. The first half proved to be exceptionally challenging for our Blues, as the Crusaders put up a relentless fight. Yet, our girls showed remarkable resilience and determination, holding their ground despite the pressure.

The second half saw a rejuvenated SWLFC Blues, who stormed the pitch with renewed vigour. Rosie was excellent by saving a fantastic penalty, which proved to be a pivotal moment in the game. This act of brilliance seemed to inspire the team, who then dominated the match, ultimately securing a triumphant 2-8 victory.

Leila was on fire, scoring an incredible five goals, with Lily adding two more to the tally. Neve’s top corner goal from distance was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing the immense talent within our squad. The Player of the Match was awarded to Alex, whose consistent and strong performance throughout the game was key to our success. The Player of the Match was very close this week, with many worthy contenders. Special praise goes to Leila for her impressive five goals and Rosie for her crucial penalty save. Overall, it was a fantastic team effort from our U13’s Blue, especially in the second half, and a well-deserved victory.

Our U13’s White put in a warrior-esque performance on Saturday morning. In what appears to have become a regular occurrence for us we found ourselves down to the bare bones for today’s match against Dronfield due to illness/injury/holidays. Not only that but we were also nursing some niggles on the pitch, colds, knocks, players playing out of position including Poppy stepping up for us between the sticks and a player returning after a 10 week absence with a broken foot but we should have never underestimated them.

The team were simply amazing from start to finish. The passing, movement, communication and teamwork was phenomenal, not to mention a penalty save.

In the end, the girls came away as 10-0 winners. Goals coming from Amelia C, Ellie, Emily, Elena and Isla with the latter two both scoring hat-tricks. A strong defensive line including a very intelligent display from Ava playing in the sweeper role.

Our U14’s played on a heavy pitch and it initially played habit with Wednesday’s style of play, as Kiveton Park managed to get going slightly earlier, and the Owlesses went in two goals down at half time. The second half saw an improvement across the pitch as Phoebe and Talia notched goals to spark a comeback, but Kiveton battled well to desperately hold onto the lead, meaning that the visitors saw out the game as 3-2 victors.

Finally, it was a brilliant comeback from the U15’s, who managed to come back from a two-goal deficit at the interval to pick up a point. The second half saw a drastic improvement in quality from Wednesday, as they dictated the play and scored two quick fire goals just four minutes apart. If there was a team going to win it, it was us as we piled on the pressure but couldn't get the winner. Overall a brilliant point to pick up for Our U15’s.