Match Report: Derby Women’s First XI vs Loughborough Third XI
Derby University Women’s team suffered an unlucky defeat thanks to a trio of goals from Loughborough, despite a promising display from the girls.
Photography by Andrew Haines, Football Journalism Student.
Derby went into the game hoping for their first win of the season following a 7-0 loss in their previous game, with the coach changing the formation in an attempt to gain the team an important three points.
The change to a diamond 4-4-2 formation proved a good decision, with a much improved performance from their previous game. Despite Derby claiming most of the possession early on, it was Loughborough who had the first chance of the game with a weak shot from Mollie Derhun which crept wide of the goal.
Hannah Barber had a great chance for Derby shortly after, dispossessing Ally Ramping of the ball, giving her an opportunity to score. However her shot was scuffed and Ramping was let off.
It wasn’t long before Loughborough made the breakthrough with a goal from Lucy Brown in the 30th minute. Millie Hodson played a lovely through ball over the top to the striker who calmly placed the ball into the back of the net.
Derby were unable to get one back before Ramping doubled the lead for the visitors. Brown made a run down the right before floating past the defender and pulling the ball back for Ramping who chipped the ball over the keeper making it 2-0.
Following the break Derby looked to get back into the game, going more attacking with three at the back. Despite looking positive, Loughborough managed to catch them off guard with Elly Chambers grabbing a third for the away side.
Derby failed to make a comeback and were left feeling hard done by, with the coach stating: “I said to the girls that the first half an hour was the best they’ve actually played. They created lots of chances, more than Loughborough did, and at the moment they just aren’t getting that little bit of luck.” He went onto say: “We’ll keep working hard and trying. It’s just putting it all together. It’s slow progress and fingers crossed our luck will change.”
Written by Molly Burke.
