When you face last season’s treble winning side unbeaten in 2 years and 5 wins from 5 this season it’s never going to be easy but when you have a squad willing to chase every ball nothing is impossible. Derby County came to St George Street in great form after brushing opponent aside this season (4-1,5-0,13-1,6-2,8-1) and as we still haven’t replaced our long time keeper, I admit I was just looking for a committed performance. From the whistle, we put Derby under pressure and were comfortable in the opening minutes, our confidence grew and we were really up for this. Following a lot of pressure we were awarded a free kick outside the box for a deliberate handball, I shouted to Charlotte who said ‘no I don’t want it, I asked Libby and she said the same, then I said Charlotte your captain take it, and she buried it into the bottom left-hand corner of the net. 1-0 we continued to press and within a couple minutes Beth ran through in between defenders and slotted the ball over the advancing keeper, 2-0.
Half time team talk was about how Derby have always come on strong in the 2nd half and this was the case, we had to absorb lots of pressure but restricted them to long range shots. 20 minutes into the 2nd half a fantastic goal from way outside the box made it 2-1 no stopping that. We continued to press and had a couple of opportunities to add to our score but resolute defending kept us out, our players were tiring but we held on and deserved a 2-1 win, Tactics were spot on but only as they were executed very well, so proud of them all, girl of the game, putting herself forward to go in goal Talia played great throughout the game.
