Ladies 1st XI --- Anna 1, Taran 2, Derby 3pts and top of the table.

Leicester 0 – 3 Derby


Week 2 and Derby Hit the top of the tree in Midlands Feeder East.



Derby got off to the perfect start today with a fabulous team goal after just 42 seconds.

Under instruction from the off to attack for the early goal, Taran burst though a mesmerised Leicester defence and spotted Anna’s brilliantly timed run and positioning into the area, she slipped the ball to her and we all watched as Anna very calmly lofted the ball past a helpless Leicester Keeper for a quite stunning start.

Leicester 0 – 1 Derby

Leicester are a young team but they play with great style and commitment and gave their all in attempting to come back at us immediately, but we were just too strong and wise for them today.

As we turned up the heat we won countless PC’s but today wasn’t our day as chance after chance went begging.

On 23 mins disaster struck as Kelly appeared to have torn or badly pulled her calf muscle and had to leave the pitch for the rest of the game, but we again showed our versatility and strength in depth as Ali Kerr filled Kelly’s role with the tenacity and ability we all know she has.

On 39 mins it was Taran that continued her sparkling early season form with a well taken close range goal to extend our lead.

Leicester 0 – 2 Derby

We were now in almost total control of the game but Leicester just would not give up. Time after time they attempted to break out through midfield only to find a solid Derby back line and midfield just waiting to sweep up their attempts.

As we continued to press we forced corner after corner only to be thwarted on each occasion and when we did break through we found ourselves on the end of some interesting decisions including:

A great advantage given to us which we scored from only to hear an unbelievable late whistle calling the play back for a previous foul on Taran outside the area

The clearest penalty stroke for a foot just off the line with the keeper beaten, preventing a certain goal, which initially was blown as a long corner ! then on consultation by the inactive umpire who had the clearest of views the decision was duly upgraded to ……. A penalty corner.

Heads didn’t drop though.

We pushed on to the end and with what was to be the final action of the game, again it was Taran who found space inside the area to slot home her 2nd of the match and Derby’s 3rd to seal the match.

Final Score

Leicester 0 – 3 Derby



Coaches summary.

To play a match like this and perform well below what we are capable of and still win is a huge positive.

The score line flattered Leicester as we had easily 70% of the play and when you consider that we somewhat worryingly failed to convert any of our 16 Penalty Corners the score could have been so many more than the 3 we got.

But… I don’t want to focus too much on the negatives.

We won again, we kept a clean sheet, Ali was superb, the loss of Kelly and the enforced change in tactics did not disrupt our flow at all, the strength in depth of the squad is proving its worth immensely and our commitment levels are unquestionable.

A good day and one that should be remembered for us hitting the TOP OF THE MIDLANDS FEEDER LEAGUE for the 1st time in our brief time together…..a position we should now look to maintain over the coming weeks.

a great performance again ladies, showing grit and determination. Kelly I hope the calf recovers quickly! And for anyone who was late getting back for strictly last night - don't worry I have it recorded!! see you all on Tuesday
Ali
:

Another fantastic result girls! Can't wait for Saturday!

See you all at training,

Marie

xx