Sun 19 Apr - Posted in Breaking News
Time to read: 2mins
Derby County Women’s Under-21s missed out on the chance to clinch the Derbyshire FA Women’s County Cup, following a 1-0 defeat to Chesterfield on Sunday afternoon.
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The final was an even display from both teams, with a late goal from Evie Carter denying Derby's Female Talent Pathway side a chance to secure the silverware for the second season in a row.
The young Ewes made a promising start, as Ebony Stubbs looked for an opener, before Lily Skeldon saw her searching cross towards the back post headed behind for a corner.
Shortly after, Olivia Tomkins almost found the net following a rushed goal-line clearance, as she skewed her shot over the bar.
Skeldon had another great chance just before the half-hour mark, though her effort was well defended by the Spireites.
Eve Shepherd then curled into a fantastic corner, which somehow avoided her team-mates at the back post, keeping the game goalless.
A victory would’ve seen the young Ewes’ second taste of silverware in consecutive seasons, following their FA Women’s National League Reserve Cup Final in 2024/25.
Skeldon saw her 20-yard free-kick fly just over the crossbar, after being fouled on the edge of Chesterfield’s area.
The second half started with both sides tussling for an opener, as Derby looked to take control in their pursuit of silverware.
Ellie Flanagan made a wonderful goal-saving challenge in the 79th minute, sliding in on the outside of her area to deny Sophie Gordon a late opener.
Chesterfield scored late to break Derby hearts with just five minutes remaining, as Carter found the net from a tight angle to secure the trophy for the Spireites.
Wright tested her luck in the second minute of added time for the Ewes, firing a long-range effort towards the Chesterfield goal, in the search for a late equaliser.
Derby County Women Under-21s: Flanagan (GK), Peach, Strutt (Trinh 62), Smith, Tomkins (Wright 83), Boyland (Barrett 62), Skeldon, Drake, Stubbs (Lardi 87), Davies-Palmer, Shepherd.
Unused Substitutes: Moss.
Words: Archie Brown
Images: Terri Lee
