Wednesday
Dec142011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at 7:08PM First Team
Derby County Ladies were looking to make it three wins on the bounce against the in form Sporting Club Albion.
Confidence was sky high after defeating league leaders Leicester City, so the prospect of derailing the team in second spot was more of a challenge.
However the opening exchanges were very messy and Derby's usual passing game was clearly lacking as possession was rushed and decision making poor often placing themselves under unnecessary pressure at times and Rachel Graham had to be at her best with some fine handling on a very wet surface. As possession was bounced back and forth between the two sides Derby did create several attacking opportunities with the midfield linking up well and the forwards working hard. That was rewarded just before the break when Cara Newton slotted from close range to make it 0-1. Derby then finished the half strongly with a high turnover of possession and other chances created.
As the teams came out for the second half, Derby dealt with the threat of the Sporting forward three by being more compact and organised and recognising threats, this enabled them to finally start passing the ball and dominate possession. Sporting always looking for the long ball demonstrated a lack of composure in front of goal and Derby were lucky to escape. However with license to attack the flanks Derby overloaded and were always a threat.
Finally after dominating in the middle third Derby secured the points when Michelle Kilmartin raced passed the last player to loop the ball over the advancing Sporting Keeper with her blinding pace and finish to get her first goal since stepping up to the first team.
On reflection a great three points where Derby weren't at their best but to take 6 points off the top two sides and secure their third win on the bounce and better still only conceding 1 goal in three games is extremely pleasing and ensures an exciting finish to the season.
Confidence was sky high after defeating league leaders Leicester City, so the prospect of derailing the team in second spot was more of a challenge.
However the opening exchanges were very messy and Derby's usual passing game was clearly lacking as possession was rushed and decision making poor often placing themselves under unnecessary pressure at times and Rachel Graham had to be at her best with some fine handling on a very wet surface. As possession was bounced back and forth between the two sides Derby did create several attacking opportunities with the midfield linking up well and the forwards working hard. That was rewarded just before the break when Cara Newton slotted from close range to make it 0-1. Derby then finished the half strongly with a high turnover of possession and other chances created.
As the teams came out for the second half, Derby dealt with the threat of the Sporting forward three by being more compact and organised and recognising threats, this enabled them to finally start passing the ball and dominate possession. Sporting always looking for the long ball demonstrated a lack of composure in front of goal and Derby were lucky to escape. However with license to attack the flanks Derby overloaded and were always a threat.
Finally after dominating in the middle third Derby secured the points when Michelle Kilmartin raced passed the last player to loop the ball over the advancing Sporting Keeper with her blinding pace and finish to get her first goal since stepping up to the first team.
On reflection a great three points where Derby weren't at their best but to take 6 points off the top two sides and secure their third win on the bounce and better still only conceding 1 goal in three games is extremely pleasing and ensures an exciting finish to the season.