Derby County Women capped off a strong October with a resounding victory over Northampton Town Women in the FA Women's National League Plate Second Round on Sunday afternoon.
The Ewes opened the scoring through Kira Rai but were pegged back mid-way through the first half before Amy Sims restored the advantage before half-time.
Goals from Yasmin Mosby, Megan Tinsley and Eleanor Ashton capped off a good day's work in Northamptonshire to secure progression to the next round of the competition despite a late goal for the hosts.
The game also saw Club Captain Hannah Ward reach the impressive landmark of 300 appearances for the club and she played the full 90 minutes in the victory.
Key Moments
Rai gave both Northampton full-backs a torrid afternoon and opened the scoring after seven minutes following a fantastic team move involving all outfield players.
The winger coolly slotted the ball beyond Katie McClean to the give the Ewes the early advantage they craved.
Derby was seemingly in control of the contest, but the hosts equalised on 35 minutes through Kim Farrow's header.
However, normal service duly resumed when Rai assisted Sims to restore Derby's lead on the brink of half-time, producing a lovely dinked finish over the goalkeeper.
Manager Sam Griffiths made a triple change at half-time, and Mosby made an immediate impact.
Mosby was free on the edge of the area and striked low into the bottom corner of the net.
Tinsley then all but secured the win with a venomous volley from 20 yards out that fired past a helpless goalkeeper.
Ashton got in on the act two minutes later with a sublime curling effort that nestled into the top corner.
Northampton captain Zoe Boote did pull one back for the hosts late on, but the damage had already been done as Derby progressed to the next round of the competition.
Derby return to league action next weekend as they travel to Halifax FC, followed by an away visit to Lincoln City in the FA Cup First Round in a fortnight's time.
The Teams
Derby County Women: Morgan (GK), Sims (C), Tinsley, Steggles, Rai, Camwell (Mosby 46), Joyce, Sutherland, Rodes-Andrews (May 46), Jenkins (Ashton 46), Ward.
Unused Substitutes: Jackson, Wilson.
Words: Barnaby Rostant
