Derby Women’s 2nd XI 4-0 Birmingham City Women’s 2nd XI: Hosts Secure Memorable First Win
Words by Danny Bloomer
Pictures by Laurie Newman
A dominant display from the Derby Women’s 2nd XI saw them record a historic 4-0 victory over Birmingham City Women’s 2nd XI.
Goals from Beth Smedley, Meg Stanier, Kerri Driver and Evie Garner helped Derby record their first ever win following back-to-back defeats in their opening two games.
The hosts started the game on the front foot and they should have been ahead inside 15 minutes. Stanier, who was a constant threat on the left throughout the match, fired just over the bar from inside the area.
Moments later, their pressure paid off. Smedley cut inside the defender onto her right foot and finished brilliantly past Birmingham goalkeeper Taneya Vince. This was Derby’s first ever goal after failing to find the back of the net in their previous two matches.
The home side continued to dominate the first half and 12 minutes before the break they doubled their advantage. A superb set piece from Garner was volleyed in at close range by Stanier.
Birmingham were struggling to find a foot hold in the match, with the game’s best chances continuing to fall for Derby. Either side of the interval they were denied by the woodwork, first from Garner and then from Medley.
Ten minutes from time Derby did manage to extend their lead further. A bouncing long-range effort by Driver somehow managed to find its way past the keeper.
Derby weren’t finished there though and on the stroke of full time they capped off a fine performance. Garner’s bending strike from the edge of the area put the icing on the cake as they secured a momentous victory.
Captain Emi Morales was proud of the team and their victory, “we worked together as a team, our communication was so much better…I’m just so happy for everyone.” Morales also believes it can give the side confidence for the rest of the season, “they deserve this win so much, its going to improve our games coming.”
Derby next host Harper Adams 1st XI on December 5th as they look to build on today’s three points.
