Sun 11 Oct - Posted in Breaking News
Time to read: 3mins
Derby County Women were victorious in a 2-1 FA WNL Northern Premier Division comeback against Hull City at Pride Park Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The win – in the first Ewes fixture played at Pride Park since a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest in March 2024 - ensured Derby's first league win at home since a 1-0 victory against Middlesbrough on 30th August.
Sian Gibrill-Keating's goal in the first half put the visitors in front. But in the second period, Georgia Stevens found the net with a superb free-kick to equalise, and Captain Emily Joyce’s diving header at the back post completed the turnaround for Derby.
Key Moments
The Ewes started the game on the front foot, though failed to trouble Hull Goalkeeper Eva Spencer in the opening ten minutes, despite several attacking chances.
Derby’s best opportunity of the first half came in the 22nd minute, as Sam Sharrocks headed the ball onto the crossbar from Eleanor Ashton’s corner, with Joyce heading over from the rebound at close range.
Hull City took the lead after 25 minutes, with Sian Gibrill-Keating finding the net from a set-piece to beat Lucy Jones.
Layla Kennerley looked to apply pressure to equalise shortly after, though was denied near the byline by a well-timed defensive challenge.
The home side increased their pressure with two minutes remaining of the first half, with Kennerley’s shot taking a deflection wide after a well-placed cut-back from Jess Melrose.
The second half began with two Ewes’ changes, as Minnie Wilson and Stevens were introduced as the home side continued in their pursuit of an equalising goal.
Wilson made an immediate impact, with her looking to find teammate Kennerley in the centre of the box, only to be denied by the hands of goalkeeper Spencer.
Stevens found the net in style to equalise in the 58th minute, firing her free-kick onto the bar, which deflected off the back of Spencer and into the net.
Derby found themselves in front after a superb header at the back post from Joyce completed the comeback in the 64th minute. Melrose floated a ball towards the far stick for the Ewes' captain to attack head first.
Ten minutes later, Rebecca May had the chance to find a third goal, though her effort was fired high and wide of the target.
Sam Griffiths’ side held on impressively following the second goal to secure all three points.
Team
Derby County Women: Jones (GK), Melrose (Russell 90+1’), Mason, Donnison (Wilson 46’), Sparkes, Sharrocks, Kennerley, Joyce (C), Ashton (Norton 87’), May, O’Connor (Stevens 46’).
Unused substitutes: Naismith (GK), Ward, Green.
Next Fixture
The Ewes are up against Boldmere St. Michaels Women in the FA NWL Northern Premier Division on Sunday 18th October at the Amber Arena and Community Stadium.
FA Women's National League Northern Premier Division
FA Women's National League Northern Premier Division