Derby Women’s 2nd XI 4-0 Harper Adams Women’s 1st XI: Hosts Record Back to Back Wins for the First Time
Words by Jack Shannon
Pictures by Danny Bloomer
Poppy Bradley’s double helped Derby Women’s 2nd XI cruise to a 4-0 victory over Harper Adams Women’s 1st XI on Wednesday afternoon.
After a tough period in which both teams battled for possession, the deadlock was broken on the stroke of half time. Hannah Barness’ ambitious effort from the edge of the box crept under the woodwork to give the home side the lead.
Moments later, Derby secured a two-goal cushion as Holly Percival’s long-range strike troubled the Harper Adams goalkeeper, who spilled the shot into her own net.
The visitors, who only fielded nine players, created a few chances early in the second half which saw Elena Garcia-Verdugo provide a string of saves to keep her side two goals in front.
Bradley then added to Derby’s first-half contributions with half an hour left, as a goalkeeping error from the Harper Adams ‘keeper allowed her to tap the ball into an empty net.
Jodie Thomas completed the scoring as her powerful strike was parried into the path of Bradley, who had the simple task of slotting home to make it 4-0 and wrap up all three points for Derby.
Chloe Hughes nearly found herself on the scoresheet, with great link-up play between herself and Leo Hill providing an opportunity in front of goal for the midfielder, who couldn’t convert.
Derby Women’s 2nd Manager Tremaine Freeman praised his players after his squad recorded consecutive league wins for the first time but has insisted that the aim for the team is to continue their development.
“As it’s a new squad it’s just about development of the players first, but we’re trying to aim as high as we
“I think even if they [Harper Adams] had 11 players we would have won today, it was a really good performance.”
Derby Women’s 2nd XI can now enjoy a break over the Christmas period, with their next match at home against mid-table De Montfort Women’s 2nd XI on the 23rd January.
