8 in 8 for Taran as Ladies 1st XI beat Belper 3-0

Belper 0 - 3 Derby


The key order of the day was 3 points and that’s exactly what we got after a convincing 3-0 win away at Belper.

We started a little lethargic in the early morning light – we don’t do 10am starts – and Belper did have a fair share of the opening 10 mins but all the chances we had were snuffed by a strangely very good goalkeeper for a team who had lost every game this season.

On 12 mins though from a scrambled effort in front of the Belper goal their keeper was finally beaten thanks to a close range poach from Taran scoring her 8th league goal in 8 league games – nice symmetry – to give Derby the lead.

Belper 0 – 1 Derby (TARAN)

From here the game totally changed as we had huge portions of possession but just could not convert the many opportunities we started to create. Everything we threw at the Belper defence they managed to get something on and clear the ball as we relentlessly pushed for a 2nd goal and when it did finally come, what a belter it was.

The only negative from the Belper keepers game was that she did LOG early and on 33 mns it was Becky who took advantage.

As ‘Anna’ drove down the right flank she slipped a simple ball inside to Kath who drove into the ‘D’ and from the resulting shot on goal the ball spilled out following a great save to Becky just inside the top left of the ‘D’ With fantastic poise she undercut the ball with a bullet of a strike leaving the keeper no chance to give Derby a well deserved 2-0 lead.

Belper 0 – 2 Derby (BECKY)

½ time.

We knew we weren’t playing at our best and the oppositions keeper was having the game of her life, but we remained calm and set about trying to improve our goal difference.

The 2nd half started as the 1st had finished with us totally dominating the game. Chance after chance came and went, a double figure count of penalty corners with no reward – apart from Marie’s rebound effort which I’m assured did cross the line before being scooped out that the umpire failed to see – would we ever increase our goals tally.

What the keeper did well in the 1st ½ she improved on in the 2nd saving from every one of the Derby forwards and midfield on at least one occasion.

On 60 mins Belper did break away from their 25 mtr line, with a slick move they got into the Derby area but their shot was saved with ease by Ellie (the only time she touched the ball in the whole game!).

With just 5 to go it was left to Kelly to give the scoreline some respectability as from another attack she found space right on the top centre of the circle, with great calmness she placed a superb drag shot passed the now shell shocked Belper defence to complete the scoring and seal the win at 3-0

Belper 0 – 3 Derby (KELLY)

Full Time



Coaches notes

Very similar to last week with a slow start but finishing the game well. We don’t need to publicise what areas we need work on although the excellent Belper Keeper (30+ saves) the pitch and the muddy water had a big part to play in our struggle to convert today.

It was good to see Skaifey and Amanda return for their 1st matches in 10 weeks and for Becky to receive “Back to Back” man of the match awards.

Whats also positive is we aren’t playing that well right now but we are still winning.

We sit at the top of the table level on 19 pts with Barton. Yes they have a game in hand now but the pressure is on them to get something from that game which is away at Matlock and we all know what can happen there.

Testimony to the desire of the whole team today was shown as they came off having won away from home 3-0, going joint top of the league, but massively disappointed it wasn’t a more emphatic score line and knowing we can play so much better.

It will come, we have only played 2 games in 12 weeks, everything will return, just give it time.

I’m happy, you should be too.


p.s. public apology to the girls for forgetting where I was today and shouting come on BELP………………… stifled by a very weak attempt to disguise it into a shout for DERBY. OOOOPS

Don't forget though that you all got presents today .... don't be too harsh on me.