WOMEN'S PREVIEW: Middlesbrough (H)

Derby County Women will play their first home game of 2026 when the Ewes host Middlesbrough in the FA Women's National League on Sunday (2pm kick-off).

Sam Griffiths will be hoping her side can continue their year with another win, after Derby took all three points on the road in a 1-0 win over Loughborough Lightning in the Ewes' only game of the year so far.

The ninth-placed Ewes face Middlesbrough, who sit sixth in the division - though just three points split the two sides just over halfway through the league campaign.

Boro were the victors with just a goal to split the two sides at the Riverside Stadium back in August, and Derby will be looking to avenge the defeat when the Boro visit the Don Amott Arena.

Ticket Information

Tickets for Sunday’s match are still available to buy, with the gates opening at 12:30pm at the Don Amott Arena.

Advance Ticket Prices

Adults - £5

Concessions (6-18 years or 65+) - £2.50

University of Derby Student (Student ID Required on entry) - £2.50

Children Under 6 - FREE

On The Day Ticket Prices

Adults - £6

Concessions (6-18 years or 65+) - £3

Children Under 6 - FREE

Click here to purchase your tickets ahead of the Ewes' home fixture.

Stadium Address

Don Amott Arena, Station Road, Mickleover, DE3 9FE.

Matchday Parking

Parking is available at the Don Amott Arena on a first-come, first-served basis with limited availability - so arrive early to secure a spot.

For further details about the matchday experience, parking, FAQ's and more, head to our Women's Matchday Hub by clicking here.

The Opponents

Middlesbrough FC Women have a proud history stretching back to 1976, when they were founded as Cleveland Spartans.

Later known as Middlesbrough Ladies, the club became one of the North East’s pioneers of women’s football, enjoying sustained success in regional leagues and cup competitions.

Highlights of the early years included multiple league titles, strong Women’s FA Cup runs, and promotion to the FA Women’s Premier League Northern Division in 2002, then the second tier of the women’s game.

After relegation in 2006, the club spent several years competing mainly in the FA Women’s National League Division One North. Despite challenges, Middlesbrough remained competitive and well supported, maintaining their status as a respected semi-professional side.

A major turning point came in 2023, when the team was formally brought under the umbrella of Middlesbrough FC. This reintegration brought increased investment, improved facilities, and a renewed sense of ambition – with some home games also being hosted at the Riverside Stadium over the last few seasons, including the meeting with Derby earlier this season.

Under experienced manager Michael Mulhern (right), the team surged forward, winning the Division One North title in 2024/25 and securing promotion.

Now competing in the FA WNL Northern Premier Division, Middlesbrough enter a new era with a strengthened pathway for young players and clear aspirations to climb even higher in the women’s football pyramid.

Boro Manager Mulhern parted ways with the club in November 2025 after two years at the helm, and he was replaced by Joe Lillie (left, above), who first took interim charge of the side after Mulhern’s departure, before being permanently appointed to the hot seat last month.

Lillie spent the last two seasons as Assistant Coach at Boro Women and also has experience in America with Coyotes FC and Reno 1868, and in England at Leeds United, Stockton Town FC, Redcar Athletic and Teesside University.

Middlesbrough currently occupy sixth spot in the Northern Premier Division with four wins and four draws from 13 matches so far this season.