REPORT: West Bromwich Albion Women 0-2 Derby County Women

Derby County Women secured a crucial away victory on Sunday afternoon, defeating West Bromwich Albion 2-0 at The Hawthorns to secure their status in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division.

Two stunning strikes, firstly from Yasmin Mason and secondly from Becky May late on, were all the visitors needed to secure all three points for Sam Griffiths’ side.

The victory at the Hawthorns - a first on the road since the Ewes’ 18th January victory against Loughborough Lightning - placed Derby into eighth in the league and five points above the drop zone with one game remaining.

Key Moments

Both sides tussled for possession in the early stages, looking to create chances to force an opening.

Derby Captain Emily Joyce charged toward the opposition box just before the 30-minute mark, before threading a ball towards Chenè Muir, whose low-driven cross into the box was blocked and cleared for a throw-in.

May had one of the best chances of the half, just two minutes later, stinging the gloves of Charlotte Clarke in the West Brom goal with her effort.

West Brom were presented with their best chance just five minutes from half-time, as Izzy Green hit her close-range effort over the bar from a corner.

The last chance of the first period came for the hosts, as Taylor Reynolds broke forward down the right-hand side, though Derby goalkeeper Lucy Jones provided a confident catch to prevent the Baggies from opening the scoring.

The second half started in the best way possible for the Ewes, as Mason fired a 20-yard strike into the bottom corner, capitalising on a loose ball to put Derby into the lead.

Derby looked for a second goal just ten minutes into the second half, though Layla Kennerley scuffed her effort wide after a promising delivery by Muir.

Kennerley looked to produce another chance for the Ewes, though her off-balance shot couldn’t trouble Clarke in goal.

Substitute Olivia Edwards looked to make an immediate impression in proceedings from a set-piece, leaping up to meet a teasing cross with her head that was ultimately caught by the goalkeeper.

Kennerley attempted to add a late second were denied shortly after, with her effort lacking any real power behind it, in the visitors’ attempt to wrap up victory.

A sensational curling effort in added time from May found the top right-hand corner to secure all three points for the Ewes and secure survival in the league.

Team

Derby County Women: Jones (GK), Melrose, Mason, Joyce (C), Ward, Wilson (Oakley 69), Donnison (Stevens 90+2), Kennerley, Locke, May, Muir (Edwards 77).

Unused Substitutes: Morgan (GK), Thomas, Drake, Sparkes.

Post-Match Reaction

Head Coach Sam Griffiths spoke with RamsTV following the match and noted her side’s ‘resilience’ to secure the win and seal Tier 3 football for the 2026/27 season.

Goalscorer Yasmin Mason also spoke with RamsTV and spoke of the squad’s pride in the performance at The Hawthorns.

Next Fixture

The Ewes can now look ahead to Sunday 26th April, as they face Liverpool Feds in their final game of the season, at the Don Amott Arena (2pm kick-off).

Click here for tickets to the Ewes’ home matches.

Words: Archie Brown