3/1 To Win
Derby County Women are back in league action on Sunday afternoon when they head to league leaders Newcastle United (2pm kick-off).
dcfc.co.uk
has brought together all the key information you will need to know
ahead of the FA Women's National League Northern Premier Division
fixture.
Manager's Thoughts...
Manager Sam Griffiths believes the Ewes can draw inspiration from their early season showing against Newcastle when they make the journey north.
Derby were solid throughout the contest at the Don Amott Arena, despite going down 1-0 and having to soak up long spells of pressure.
Griffiths knows it will be a tough test taking on a side that has won ten of their 12 league games and sit top of the table, but Derby have proved before they can compete against some of the strongest sides in the league.
She said: “Newcastle are doing really well and it will be a difficult test against a full-time outfit.
“We did ourselves credit when we played them at home earlier in the season.
“Newcastle have made some good signings in recent weeks and have strengthened for the run-in.”
She added: “We’ll go there to try and be competitive, organised and see what we can do.”
From The Dressing Room...
Defender Sarah Jackson has described heading to the home of the league leaders as a ‘massive test’.
Despite that, Jackson says the Ewes must make the journey north with a positive mindset as they look to maintain their climb up the table.
She said: “It will be a massive test for us as Newcastle are at the top of the table and a full-time side.
“We know we back each other out of the pitch.
“Newcastle have strengthened their squad lately, but we’ll go up there with the aim of getting something.”
The Last Time We Met...
The Ewes were narrowly beaten by Newcastle when the two sides met at the Don Amott Arena back in September, with the Magpies claiming a 1-0 win.
Bridget Galloway’s header just before the interval was the only goal of the game despite the visitors putting Sam Griffiths' side under stong spells of pressure.
A late penalty save by Ewes goalkeeper Anna Draper from Emma Kelly kept Derby in the game but they were unable to find an equaliser as Newcastle picked up all three points.
Despite the defeat, there were plenty of positives for the Ewes to build on in the weeks and months ahead.
Match Highlights...
Full highlights from Sunday's match will appear online on dcfc.co.uk following the final whistle.
