Derby County Women made it two home wins on the spin with a 3-1 victory over Huddersfield Town on Sunday.
Sam Griffiths’ side picked up three valuable FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division points to move up to fifth place in the table.
Leading goalscorer Amy Sims but the Ewes ahead just after the half hour mark, but the visitors hit back to equalise in the early stages of the second half through Caz Simone.
Derby responded well and retook the lead through Eleanor Ashton’s fine finish before defender Charlotte Steggles bundled home a third from a corner to ensure victory at the Don Amott Arena.
Derby will hit the road for their next league outing next Sunday with a trip to high-flying promotion hopefuls Newcastle United (2pm kick-off).
“We Were Brilliant In The Second Half” - Griffiths
Manager Sam Griffiths described the Ewes’ second half display as ‘brilliant’ as her side put the Terriers to the sword.
After being bitterly disappointed with the 2-1 reverse at West Bromwich Albion in their previous outing, Griffiths felt Derby grew into the contest this time around.
With a long trip to league leaders Newcastle United on the horizon this weekend, Griffiths knew it was important for the Ewes to pick up three points and continue to move in the right direction.
She said: “We got the reaction we wanted from last week in the second half.
“We were still a bit off it in the first half, from a formation and tactical aspect, and we didn’t get some of what we were asking for.
“I am really happy with the second half, though, because we put it right and were brilliant.
“We were disappointed last week because it was a missed opportunity. We knew it was important to win this one and we need to build on it.”
She added: “We turned the ball over in some good areas and with how we want to play, we can get up the pitch quickly and in numbers.
“I would have liked to have created a few more clear-cut chances, because we could have scored more.”
“We Knew It Was Massive To Win” - Jackson
Defender Sarah Jackson says the Ewes knew the importance of picking up all three points ahead of back-to-back league clashes against sides at the top end of the table.
Derby’s next league outing will see them take on league leaders Newcastle United away from home on Sunday, while they will also host promotion-chasers Burnley at the Don Amott Arena at the start of March.
Jackson believes picking up all three points will provide confidence ahead of the meetings with the Magpies and the Clarets, with a long trip to Exeter City in the Semi-Finals of the National League Plate sandwiched inbetween.
She said: “It was miles better than last week. The second half was good and we know how important consistency is.
“It is probably something we’ve lacked this year; we’ve put on some strong performances against the top sides and maybe not done it on a consistent basis when we’ve faced other teams.
“It is nice to get three points and especially at home as well, that is important to us.”
She added: “We knew it was massive to win this one and especially for our confidence.
“We probably had a bit of pressure on us, but we learned to play with it. We now have some tough games coming up and we can go into each one believing we can get something.”
