MATCH REPORT: Middlesbrough Women 1-0 Derby County Women

A battling contest at the Riverside Stadium was decided by a single goal as Derby County Women fell to defeat against Middlesbrough on Sunday afternoon.

A 4-1 triumph over Notts County in the FA Women’s National League Cup a fortnight ago saw Derby register their first win of the 2025/26 campaign, but the Ewes are still awaiting their first points in the Northern Premier Division with three games played.

Head Coach Sam Griffiths’ side put in a valiant display at the Riverside, with Minnie Wilson and Becky May coming near, but a second half corner kick from the hosts saw them take maximum points.

Key Moments

An early chance came for Derby as Minnie Wilson bore down on goal in the fifth minute after an excellent sweeping long pass from deep by Becky May found Yasmin Mason on the left flank.

The wing-back then slotted an onrushing Minnie Wilson into the penalty area, where the forward bore down on goal and was challenged by defender Ellen Packham – her appeals for a penalty were waved away.

Mason continued to be an outlet for Derby on the left flank, but a stubborn Boro defence meant the Ewes couldn’t fashion a clear-cut opportunity in the final third.

Boro came near when Sarah Burn’s effort from afar forced a low save from Derby goalkeeper Lucy Jones in the 39th minute.

The Ewes came near to getting an opener as Wilson tried from distance in added time of the first period, but the effort wasn’t powerful enough to trouble the goalkeeper.

Striker Chenè Muir, who re-joined the Rams in midweek, came on for her second debut with the club, replacing Olivia Edwards in the 59th minute.

Middlesbrough took the lead from a corner kick in the 75th minute, as a delivery to the back post was headed across the goalmouth by captain Millie Bell, where Ferguson was waiting to head the ball into the back of the net.

Derby fought well to chase an equaliser, with Female Talent Pathway graduates Lily Skeldon and Mia Wheeler coming on towards the end of the match to add attacking threat.

Work from Skeldon on the right flank won a free kick for the Ewes in the fifth minute of added time, which May stepped up to take, and her effort at goal rifled just wide of the mark – with Boro able to hold on for the win.

Sam Griffiths’ side will look to continue their perfect record FA Women’s National League Cup when they welcome Lincoln United Women to the Don Amott Arena on Sunday 7th September (2pm kick-off).

Tickets for the Ewes’ home fixtures can be found by clicking here.