This fixture presented a big challenge in Andy Gilligan and Gary Wilson’s season. Prior to kick-off, Altofts sat four points behind Wednesday. However, the home side had three games in hand, making this a crucial game for both sides.

For the lineups, Gilligan and Wilson looked to veteran keeper Kirsty Tonner in net, followed by a back four of Maisie Gilligan, Romy Lee, Imogen Yeardley, and Eleanor Vessey.

The midfield was made up of Maisie Brennan, Jodie Stancill, and Lily-May Jackson.

The front three were as expected with Harriet Lloyd, Amy Broomhead, and Nicole Shaw.

The game kicked off with a close fought opening ten minutes. Eventually, Altofts won a corner, which they managed to curl directly into the net to give them an early lead.

The game continued in a fast-paced, back-and-forth fashion. Both sides went close with a chipped shot from Shaw testing the keeper.

The Owlesses followed up with another chance, this time coming to Broomhead who cut inside before firing a shot that was well caught by the keeper.

Following more contested play from both sides, the ref blew for halftime.

The second half started with a huge chance for Shaw as she was played in behind by Jackson. The winger took a touch before firing the shot goalwards, forcing a good save out of the Altofts shot stopper.

Another big chance followed, this time from Rachel Norsworthy, who played the ball down the right flank before striking the ball goalwards. However, the Altofts keeper was once again up to it, this time diving to make the save.

Wednesday continued the pressure with another great chance coming from Norsworthy on the right-hand side, whose shot was once again saved by the Altofts keeper.

A floated ball in behind from the home side caused trouble for Wednesday as the attacker got on the end and poked it home to make it 2-0.

Wednesday continued to pressure into the dying minutes; however, nothing seemed to drop for the away side as the referee blew for full time.

Next weekend the Owlesses will travel away from home to face Handsworth. Details are set to be released.