Derby County Women suffered a 3-0 defeat at home to league leaders Burnley Women in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division on Sunday.
Two first-half goals proved decisive for the high-flying visitors; a sublime free kick from Millie Ravening gave Burnley the lead, before a sweeping move was finished by Charlie Chadwick to double their advantage.
Despite a much-improved second-half performance from Sam Griffiths’ side, there was a late blow for the Ewes as Jade Richards headed past Jones in the final minute to seal the result.
With three games remaining, Derby will now turn their focus to next Sunday, when Hull City, who sit just three points above the Ewes in eighth, visit the Don Amott Arena.
Key Moments
An early chance for the visitors saw Lucy Jones called into action, as she parried away a swerving, long-range effort from Chadwick before the danger was cleared.
Burnley began to increase the pressure, but Jess Melrose made a superb block to deny Millie Ravening an opportunity to open the scoring.
Derby found some joy on the counter-attack when a ball was played into Becky May following a Burnley attack. Her long-range effort forced an uncomfortable save from Eva Spencer.
However, in the 35th minute, Derby’s resistance was broken. Burnley countered at pace, and the Derby defence brought Ravening down on the edge of the area. She stepped up and aimed her free kick over the wall and into the top corner.
Deep into first-half stoppage time, Burnley doubled their lead with a well-worked move. The ball was driven in from a wide area, allowing Chadwick a simple finish past Jones.
Derby showed improvement in the second half and continued their solid defensive work. Jones produced another fine reaction save before Melrose cleared the danger.
But in the 90th minute, Burnley added a third goal as Jade Richards headed home from a corner, putting the result beyond doubt.
Team
Derby County Women: Jones (GK), Melrose, Mason, Joyce (C), Ward, Wilson, Kennerley (Edwards 63), Donnison (Drake 78), May (Sparkes 90+5), Locke, Muir (Stevens 78).
Unused Substitutes: Morgan (GK), Shepherd.
Next Fixture
Derby will continue their bid to stave off relegation in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division next week, as Hull City visit the Don Amott Arena (2pm kick-off).
Tickets for the Ewes’ home games can be purchased by clicking here.
Words: Max Stairs
Images: Terri Lee