Derby County Women National League Plate Preview: Northampton Town (A)

Derby County Women will take a brief break from their league campaign when they head to Northampton Town in the Second Round of the FA Women's National League Plate on Sunday afternoon (2pm kick-off).

dcfc.co.uk has brought together all the key information you will need to know ahead of the cup clash.

Manager's Thoughts...

Speaking after last Sunday's 4-0 away win at AFC Fylde in the FA Women's National League Northern Premier Division, boss Sam Griffiths stressed the importance of the side continuing their excellent run of form.

The Ewes have won three of their last four league outings, while they are now sixth in the league table after a positive run of form in recent weeks.

Griffiths has made it clear Derby need to ensure they don’t lest on their laurels.

She said: “The girls know they’re on a good run at the minute and we’ve got the National League Plate at Northampton and then we return to the league when we travel to Halifax.

“That’s two more difficult matches and ones where we will need to be on top form.

“We’ve just got to try and keep this run going and keep playing with the confidence we’re showing right now. We just need to make sure we don’t switch off.”

From The Dressing Room...

Skipper Amy Sims says Derby’s players need to keep momentum on their side.

The Ewes have picked up four wins and a single defeat from their five outings in October so far.

That run of form has seen the side score 16 goals in the process, conceding just three times.

Three of the side’s wins have come in the league, while they’ve also progressed to the Second Round of the National League Plate.

Sims said: “We want more wins, more goals and more clean sheets, as well as importantly good performances.

“We’ll be looking to do that in the National League Plate at Northampton.”

National League Plate So Far...

Derby County Women produced a five-star display on the road against Doncaster Rovers Belles to reach Round Two of the 2023/24 FA Women’s National League Plate earlier this month.

Sam Griffiths’ side were 5-0 winners against the National League Division One North outfit to safely avoid a cup upset.

Derby stormed into an early lead through forward Marli Rhodes-Andrews, with just three minutes on the clock, and she went on to double the Ewes’ lead at the midway point of the half.

Midfielder Rebecca May netted her first goal in Derby colours, following her recent arrival from Manchester United, on the half hour mark before defender Maria Timms made it four before the break with a stunning strike.

Derby added a late fifth when defender Sarah Jackson netted her first goal for the club from distance to round off a comprehensive victory.

Match Highlights...

Full match highlights from Sunday's match will appear online on dcfc.co.uk following the match.