Derby County Women were knocked out the FA Women’s National League Cup at the First Round stage with a 3-0 defeat to Hashtag United Women at the Don Amott Arena.

The Tags took the lead just before half-time, despite a strong performance from goalkeeper Sarah Morgan in keeping the away side at bay for the first half.

Derby battled in the second half, but they couldn’t break Hashtag down as the visitors scored twice more without reply to progress to the Second Round.

Key Events

The Ewes remained without the injured Becky Hogg, Becky May, Lara Miller, Chene Muir, Megan Tinsley and Kate Oakley, as well as the unavailable Emelia Wilson. Defender Charlotte Steggles was, however, back on the bench after recovering from concussion.

Derby had the first chance of the game as Paris Dalton slipped in Helana Meadows down the left, but her shot didn’t have enough power on it to trouble the visiting goalkeeper.

But Hashtag would impose themselves on the game with a barrage of chances, with the first coming as Malika Apindia’s shot was saved well at the near post.

Frankie Finlayson was also denied by Morgan with an excellent double save to keep the Ewes in the tie.

Freda Ayisi attempted to curl one into the top right corner from the edge of the box but another sensational save by Morgan stopped the Tags taking the lead.

Hashtag kept knocking on the door, but nothing could get past Morgan in the Derby goal who pulled off another excellent save to deny Ayisi from a free-kick.

Morgan was in fine form and she made another save to deny Shauna Vassell, who was free at the back post but her half volley was stopped by the Derby shot-stopper.

Hashtag took the lead in the last minute of stoppage time at the end of the first period as a powerful cross from Vassell found Holly Turner in the box, who headed over the Morgan.

The Tags doubled their lead just after half time as Ayisi struck a first-time shot from 30-yards-out which lobbed Morgan in goal.

The away side didn’t stop there as a short free-kick from Ayisi found Sophie Baigent, whose deflected shot hit the side netting.

Derby attempted to get themselves back in the game as a cross from Ella Hillard was met by Amy Cotton at the back post, but she headed wide.

The Ewes kept fighting for a goal in the second half, but they couldn’t break down the strong Hashtag defence.

Hashtag sealed the win in the 90th minute as striker Turner went through on goal and skipped round Morgan to calmly tap into an empty net.

Derby are back in league action on Sunday 6th October when they travel to Lancashire to face Burnley Women at the Lancashire County Ground (2pm kick-off).

The Team

Derby County Women: Morgan (GK), Ward, Jenkins, Jackson, Hilliard (Skeldon), Burt, McGowan (Cotton), Joyce (C), Meadows (Rai), McCaffrey (Deeley), Dalton.

Substitutes Not Used: Jones (GK), Steggles.

Words: James Haley.