Derby County Women claimed all three points in their opening FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division fixture of the 2024/25 season as they beat Sporting Khalsa Women 4-1 away from home.
Winger Kira Rai opened the Ewes’ account 15 minutes into the new season, but the newly promoted hosts hit back to equalise through Niamh Deasy soon afterwards.
A debut goal from new signing Chené Muir, a free-kick from midfielder Rebecca May and a looping header from defender Millie Jenkins secured the win in the second half for Sam Griffiths’ side.
Derby started well and went on the attack early on - and they were ahead inside just 15 minutes.
May turned her player on the bar-line and crossed low into the six-yard box. The ball ricocheted around the goalmouth as Khalsa failed to clear their lines, which allowed Rai to scramble the ball over the line.
Khalsa hit back six minutes later after a Derby clearance bounced off Layla Kennerley and fell to the feet of Deasy in the box, who shot first time into the top right corner to equalise with debutant goalkeeper Lucy Jones left with no chance.
Paris Dalton was inches away from reclaiming the lead for the Ewes with a sweet strike from distance, but the fingertips of Freya Keap in the home goal denied the summer signing.
May switched play to carve open a brilliant scoring opportunity for Jenkins before half-time. The defender cut inside to take her shot but saw the effort turned away for a corner by Keap.
The hosts felt aggrieved not to be awarded a penalty in the opening moments of the second half after Lowri Walker was pushed off the ball, but after a conversation between the Referee and their assistant the foul was deemed to have been committed outside the box.
Half-time substitute Muir, signed from Sheffield United earlier this month, put Derby back into the lead as the clock hit 70 minutes. The number nine used her strength to get ahead of a defender and although her first shot was saved by the Khalsa goalkeeper, she made no mistake with the rebound.
May bagged the Ewes’ third goal of the game after converting a free-kick won by Jenkins, who had skipped past three defenders before being brought down on the edge of the box, and the long-range specialist made no mistake by finding the back of the net.
Jenkins was involved once more when she headed home Derby’s final goal of the game seconds before the final whistle after meeting substitute Daisy Burt’s cross from the right.
The victory was the perfect way to kick off the new campaign, notably against a tricky opponent who had gained promotion last term.
The Ewes’ next game will see them back on home turf as they host Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Don Amott Arena on Sunday 25th August (2pm).
Derby County Women: Jones (GK), Jenkins, Steggles (Ward 85), Jackson, Wilson, Rai (Burt 64), Dalton (Meadows 77), Joyce (C), McGowan (Miller 46), Oakley (Muir 46), May.
Substitutes Not Used: Morgan (GK), Hilliard.
Manager Sam Griffiths was understandably pleased to get the season started with a win on the road.
Despite what she felt was a slow start, she was pleased with the way Derby grew into the game before going on to run out as convincing winners.
“First and foremost, we came here to get three points,” she said.
“We came into this one off the back of a tough pre-season and coming up against a side that has just been promoted isn’t easy, so full credit to Sporting Khalsa for not making it easy for us.
“We grew into the game, as we looked a bit nervous early on and that is understandable with a number of new faces in the squad.
“Overall, I am pleased to get a win to start the season.”
She added: “We are carrying a bigger squad this year and it is important we use people wisely.
“It was pleasing to get as many people as possible on the pitch today. I want a tight-knit group and staff, so it is important we are a strong unit.”
Derby return to action against promotion hopefuls Wolverhampton Wanderers next Sunday at the Don Amott Arena.
As always, Griffiths is expected a difficult test against one of the league’s big-hitters.
She said: “I’ve never beaten Wolves while I’ve been in charge of Derby, so that is a personal challenge for me!
“We want to concentrate on what we can do. Wolves will pose a threat, so we’ll look at how we can set up for that one and what players we’ll use for it.”
Match Report: Hannah Walker
