Thackley AFC Women 4–0 Sheffield Wednesday Ladies

Thackley AFC Women continued their excellent start to life in the North East Regional Women’s Football League with a convincing 4–0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday Ladies at Dennyfield on Sunday. Demi Godson's two goals, alongside goals from Em Senior and Rachael White, kept Thackley's unbeaten league record intact and top of the Southern Division with 16 points.
Thackley started brightly and were on the attack within the opening minutes. New signing Lotte Sales played a long ball forward, which Molly Ellis headed on to Em Senior. Senior’s first-time touch found Ellis again, and the winger raced down the right before delivering a dangerous cross into the Sheffield penalty area, which was safely collected by the visiting goalkeeper.
Sheffield responded with an attack of their own, working the ball forward before sending a shot well over the Thackley crossbar. However, the visitors were soon under pressure again, and Thackley took the lead after just three minutes.
A corner from Charlie Blythe was delivered perfectly into the six-yard box, where Demi Godson rose superbly to head the ball into the net and give the home side an early advantage.

Thackley 1–0 Sheffield Wednesday Ladies

Thackley continued to press, closing down Sheffield’s attacks and cutting out long balls through the defensive work of Godson, Sales and Kayley Hird. Building confidently from the back, Thackley looked to move the ball quickly through midfield and exploit the pace of their forward players.
Chelsea Morton produced an excellent through ball for Ellis, who raced towards goal and reached the ball ahead of the advancing goalkeeper. Her effort was narrowly prevented from crossing the line by a recovering Sheffield defender, resulting in another corner for Thackley.
Once again, Blythe delivered a dangerous ball into the six-yard area. Although the cross went beyond Sales, Godson was waiting at the far post, doubling Thackley’s lead and claiming her second goal of the afternoon.

Thackley 2–0 Sheffield Wednesday Ladies

Sheffield attempted to respond, but Thackley remained organised defensively and looked dangerous on the counter-attack. Becca Hunt released Ellis with a well-timed through ball, allowing the winger to beat her marker before sending a shot narrowly wide.
At the other end, Bryony Morris dealt comfortably with a high ball following a Sheffield free kick, while Thackley recovered well whenever an inaccurate pass threatened to give the visitors an opportunity.
The pace and movement of Senior, Hunt and Ellis down the right continued to cause Sheffield problems. Ellis had another effort blocked by a defender before Thackley won a further corner, although this time the delivery went behind the goal.
Thackley’s third goal arrived following another incisive run from Ellis down the right. Her cross caused problems in the Sheffield defence, and when a defender attempted to clear the ball, it fell to Senior. Showing excellent composure, Senior turned away from her marker, controlled the ball under her boot and created space before firing into the back of the net.

Thackley 3–0 Sheffield Wednesday Ladies

With the home side firmly in control, Thackley continued to dominate possession and win the midfield battle. The defence dealt effectively with Sheffield’s attempts to get forward, while further opportunities were created at the other end. Shots from Morton, Carrie Burnett and Senior either went wide or were saved by the visiting goalkeeper.

Half-time: Thackley AFC Women 3–0 Sheffield Wednesday Ladies

Sheffield returned for the second half with greater confidence and began to put the Thackley defence under pressure. The visitors created several shooting opportunities and won a free kick just outside the penalty area, but the resulting effort sailed over the crossbar.
Despite the increased pressure, Thackley remained a threat going forward and added a fourth goal following an excellent passage of attacking play.
Blythe switched the ball across the pitch to Ellis on the right, who played it into Rachael White, who had come off the bench earlier. White’s initial effort was parried by the goalkeeper, allowing her to shoot again. Her second attempt struck the crossbar, went high above the goal, before bouncing back down and across the goal line.

Thackley 4–0 Sheffield Wednesday Ladies

Both sides continued to attack as the game approached its conclusion, with efforts at either end either going wide or being dealt with by the goalkeepers.
Thackley had another opportunity to extend their lead when Blythe stepped up to take a free kick on the edge of the Sheffield penalty area. Her effort cleared the defensive wall and looked destined for the net, but the Sheffield goalkeeper produced an excellent diving save to push the ball away. Lois Mattock followed up, but the keeper gathered the ball safely.
The final whistle confirmed an impressive 4–0 victory for Thackley, who combined defensive organisation with pace and quality in attack to secure another three points.
The result extends Thackley’s unbeaten league run and keeps them top of the Southern Division with 16 points, underlining the squad’s excellent start to their first season at regional level.
Team-
Morris, Blythe, Burnett, Ellis, Godson (c), Hunt, Hird, Morton, Sales, Senior E, Senior Y
Subs-
Ahmed, Dorland, Mattock, White, Wood
Goals – Godson 3,7
Senior E, 16
White, 61
POTM- Godson
Next fixture: v Ilkley Town AFC Women
Date: Sunday 25 October 2026
Kick-off: 2.00pm