Derby County Women suffered a 5-1 defeat against high-flying Wolverhampton Wanderers Women at New Bucks Head Stadium on Wednesday night.
The hosts produced a dominant display and were rewarded with a brace from Beth Merrick as well as goals from Olivia Fergusson, Tammi George and Amber Hughes.
Defender Camille Jenkins netted Derby’s consolation goal.
Key Moments
Wolves scored the opener just four minutes in as Fergusson volleyed a lofted ball into the box over Anna Draper in the Ewes’ goal.
Draper denied the hosts from doubling their lead as the clock 12 minutes with a fingertip save to thwart Amber Hughes.
However, the home side eventually found their second of the game after a 25-yard strike by Merrick.
Ellie Wilson came close to making it three for Wolves after an outside-of-the-boot effort from the edge of the six-yard box but Draper got down to her left brilliantly to push the ball out for a corner.
Wolves’ chances kept coming after Fergusson intercepted a Derby back pass and fired at goal but Draper blocked the effort. The rebound fell to George to shoot first time, but the Ewes’ number one reacted quickly to make a fine double save.
George made no mistake just one minute into added time with a strike from the edge of the box to put her side 3-0 up at the break.
Merrick rattled the back left post two minutes after the restart with a right-footed free-kick as Wolves pushed for more goals.
The Ewes came out with more energy in the second half and shots from Amy Sims and Marli Rhodes-Andrews were blocked early on.
Jenkins netted Derby’s only goal of the game after a corner from the right was fumbled by the Wolves goalkeeper and the defender was first to react and tapped the ball home.
But the hosts hit back just moments later as Hughes added her name to the scoresheet with a simple side foot finish from inside the box.
Merrick rounded off the scoring late on from the penalty spot after a foul by Emelia Wilson.
The Teams
Wolverhampton Wanders Women: Thomas (GK), Morphet (C) (Bramford 63), Wilson (E. Cross 63), George (Roberts 63), Hughes (Harrison 79), Banaras, Holmes (J. Cross 79), Johnson, Fryer, Fergusson, Merrick.
Derby County Women: Draper (GK), Sims (C), Steggles, Jackson (Ward 21), Wilson, Joyce, Ashton, Jenkins, Rhodes-Andrews (Towers 69), Meadows (Rai 76), O’Connor.
Substitutes Not Used: Morgan (GK), Shepherd.
Attendance
251
What’s Next?
Sam Griffiths will expect a positive reaction as her side head into their penultimate game of the season on Sunday when they host Liverpool Feds at the Don Amott Arena in Mickleover (2pm kick-off).
Words: Hannah Walker.
