Derby County Women suffered a 4-1 defeat away to Stoke City in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division at the Wellbeing Park on Wednesday night.
An eventful first half saw the Potters go two goals ahead inside the opening 20 minutes. A creative finish in the second minute from Millie Ravening was followed by a cool penalty, slotted in by Delphi Cole.
Derby pulled one back before the break as Chenè Muir’s audacious effort floated into the back of the net.
The hosts netted again after the break as they withstood a fast-paced start to the second period from the Ewes - Olivia Cook's strike and a brace goal from Cole to put the contest to bed.
Key moments
The hosts came out flying, with an opening goal inside the second minute after Ravening’s high-footed finish lobbed goalkeeper Lucy Jones to give Stoke an early lead.
A few minutes later, Jones made up for it as she pulled off a full-stretch-save to force Aleesha Collins’ one-on-one shot just wide of the post.
Derby’s first real chance was created from a 12th-minute free kick, but the effort resulted in a safe catch for the opposition’s keeper as the ball initially look dangerous into a packed penalty area.
As Derby continued to search for a way into the game, Stoke grabbed their second just inside 20 minutes, with Cole coolly slotting her penalty.
With half time approaching, Muir narrowed the margin as she produced a moment of solo excellence, with her curling effort going over the goalkeeper's head, to make it 2-1.
Just as it looked like Derby were going to find a way to level things up, after a positive start to the second half, Stoke hit the Ewes with a quick turnover to regain their two-goal lead with a third coming from Cook.
Another Stoke goal followed not long after the third to extend their lead to four after a scramble in the Derby box saw the ball land at the feet of Cole to hit home her second of the game.
Despite a difficult spell, Derby continued pushing forward, trying their best to create chances but despite a few shots, efforts on target were few and far between as they came against a stern Potters defence.
Becky May came close in the final knockings of the game, but the midfielder could only find the side netting with her stinging effort.
The hosts held on well to see out the game and claim all three points.
Derby will now look ahead to their next fixture when they face Rugby Borough at the Don Amott Arena on Sunday 23rd February (2pm kick-off).
Team News
Derby County Women: Jones (GK), Steggles (Meadows 87), Jackson, Hilliard (Skeldon 45), Wilson, Joyce, Muir, Oakley (Rai 45), McGowan (Jenkins 45), Burt (Ward 60), May.
Unused Substitutes: Morgan (GK), Qose.
Words: Ella Smetana
Images: Tim Deakin
