Derby County Women’s visit to the Horsfall Community Stadium on Sunday ended in a goalless draw against Halifax Town Women, which saw the Ewes pick up another point in the National League Northern Premier Division.
The Ewes were unable to secure a third win on the bounce in all competitions, failing to find the back of the net despite piling on the pressure in the closing stages.
It was a fairly even affair in the opening stages, with both sides having spells of possession but failing to test the opposition goalkeeper.
Derby began to mount the pressure on the hosts as the first half progressed and the Ewes searched for a breakthrough before half-time. Paris Dalton’s in-swinging free kick was punched away by Bamford in the Halifax net.
Dalton returned to Derby, the club where she previously played at Under-10s level, at the start of the 2024/25 campaign following spells playing at Birmingham City and in the United States college system.
One of the Ewes’ best chances of the half came when Kira Rai played in Kate Oakley with a clever chipped ball inside the penalty area, but the forward mistimed her shot before seeing a second effort at goal blocked.
Derby’s Emelia Wilson went close to breaking the deadlock early in the second half, with two chances in quick succession for the midfielder sailing narrowly over the bar.
Rai also came close to giving the Ewes the lead on the hour mark when her first-time shot rolled narrowly wide, after getting on the end of Dalton’s header.
The hosts’ best chance of the game came moments later when Abby Clarke darted through on goal but eventually dragged her shot wide of the target.
Camille Jenkins’ late effort to secure all three points found the side netting, as the Ewes went agonisingly close once again.
Sam Griffiths’ side return to the Don Amott Arena next Sunday as they take on Liverpool Feds in their next league outing (2pm kick-off).
Derby County Women: Jones (GK), Jenkins, Steggles, Jackson, Wilson, Rai, Dalton, Joyce (C), Miller (Cotton 64), Oakley (McGowan 46), Ward (Hilliard 64).
Unused Substitutes: Morgan (GK), Meadows.
Halifax FC Women: Bamford (GK), Melrose, Dykes, Whitham, Walsh, Nuttall, Clarke (Sears 66), Armson, Harrison, Stout, Wilson.
Unused Substitutes: Edwards, Bywater, Gallagher, Franks.
Assistant Head Coach Jacob Straw offered the reaction of the coaching staff to a point on the road for the Ewes.
Goalkeeper Lucy Jones, after keeping her first clean sheet of the season, offered her verdict following the final whistle.
Words: Ella Barber.
