Derby County Women produced an impressive performance but were ultimately beaten 2-0 by promotion-chasing Burnley on Sunday afternoon.
Sam Griffiths’ side provided the Clarets, who are chasing down Newcastle United at the top of the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division, with a stern test at the Don Amott Arena.
Derby were well in the contest and had opportunities to take the lead before Aimee Kelly’s long-range strike after 72 minutes broke the deadlock.
The Ewes pushed for a leveller, but Abby Clarke tapped home a second goal late on to ensure the visitors claimed all three points.
Derby are back on home turf on Sunday 10th April when they host Halifax FC at the Don Amott Arena (2pm kick-off) in their next league outing.
“We Have Shown We Can Compete Against Anyone” - Griffiths
Manager Sam Griffiths was once again pleased with the way the Ewes handled themselves against one of the league’s strongest outfits.
Griffiths felt her side produced one of their best performances of the season out of possession but was left to rue two moments where Burnley took advantage where Derby could have defended better.
The Ewes had opportunities of their own while the scoreline was locked at 0-0 and Griffiths admitted the team unfortunately found themselves on the wrong side of the fine margins between winning and losing matches.
She said: “I felt for most of the game that was the best we’ve been out of possession.
“We knew we may not see much of the ball, but I have to say I thought the girls were excellent.
“Our shape was good and we limited Burnley in terms of opportunities, but our worst bit of defending probably came with the goals they scored.
“I am proud of what the team did for 89 minutes, but those are the fine margins in football between winning and losing.
“We have shown we can compete with anyone in this league and it could have swung either way. We had plenty of chances, but you have to take them when they come around; we didn’t and Burnley did.”
She added: “I think we’ve been excellent against the teams who are expected to have more possession.
“When we do get on the ball, we need to be better and make better decisions. We win the ball in good areas high up the pitch, but our choices after that can improve.”
“We Can't Switch Off For A Second” - Jenkins
Defender Camille Jenkins says the Ewes can take plenty of positives from their performance - but felt the side were issued a stern reminder they can’t afford to switch off for a second.
Derby reduced promotion hopefuls Burnley to a limited number of chances and threatened themselves on the attack with Jenkins offering a strong attacking outlet when bombing forward from right-back.
The youngster admitted that the Ewes were, despite their excellent display, punished for two momentary lapses at the back against the ruthless Clarets.
Jenkins said: “I think we performed well for 80-85 minutes of the game.
“We knew from what Burnley were saying that they were struggling to break us down with how we were playing.
“It is just a shame that they managed to get the goals when they did, with us switching off for a second.”
She added: “We need to remember to stay switched on at all moments. It can take one minute where are aren’t focused to be punished.
“We’ve got Halifax next week at home and it will be a different game to this one. We’ll be expected to have more possession, so we will work on making sure we get the chances we need going forward from that.”
