Derby Women 1-1 Coventry Women

Maddy Cusack’s headed equaliser helped Derby to their first point of the season.

After a stale, goalless first half, Derby were unfortunate to go behind early in the second.

Coventry beat Derby’s line of defence, however Faye Davies in goal came out quick to close down the opposition.  However, an unlucky ricochet off the Derby goalkeeper’s attempted clearance saw the ball bundle into the Derby net.

Derby pushed on and began to dominate the match, with noticable performances from Kerry Driver at the back and Hannah Barber’s relentless energy in midfield.

Derby’s pressure on the Coventry defence eventually saw an equaliser. A well swung in corner, met Maddy Cusack at the front post who nodded it in across the face of the goal to Derby’s delight.

Derby continued to apply pressure and search for a winning goal, however Coventry stood their ground to take the point away from home. The draw made it Derby’s first point of the season; a point the team have worked very hard for according to defender, Holly Percival.

“It’s taken alot of time for us to get to know each other as a team, glad to come out with a point in the end.”

Holly continued: “Our new player Maddy did well, winning the ball all over the park and got a well deserved goal. Her partnership with Hannah in midfield was very strong”.

With a frustrating season so far, the women will be happy to get that much sought after first point. Looking forward, Percival explained: “We need to improve our shooting, we waste too many good positions and it’s something we will be working on in training before the next match.”

Written by Ieuan Ivett.