Ewes win National Silverware in FAWNL Plate Final

Derby County Women won their first ever FA Women’s National League Plate as they comfortably beat Cambridge United.

After the men’s team won 1-0 at the Abbey Stadium on Saturday, leaving them on the cusp of a Championship return, the Ewes looked to do the same on an afternoon of glorious sunshine at FC United of Manchester’s Broadhurst Park.

Derby dominated the ball in the opening stages, but it took until the tenth minute for them to register a shot.  Skipper Amy Sims got in behind the Cambridge defence but could only loop a shot over the crossbar.

She would have another chance three minutes later, meeting Sarah Jackson’s cross from the right and heading wide.

Cambridge had a couple of chances from corners after breaking four-on-three, but the Ewes kept the pressure on, and won a penalty on the half hour mark.

After having her penalty saved last time out against Halifax, Eleanor Ashton stepped up to the spot again. This time, though, she made no mistake, blasting the ball into the top left corner.

 Seven minutes later, Ashton was set free by club captain Hannah Ward with a through ball down the right. She cut inside and shot across goal, but saw her effort go wide.

Late in the first half, an injury blow for Derby as Becky May went off with a calf injury. Play restarted with Sam Griffiths’ side momentarily a player down, and Cambridge attacked down the right. Ruth Fox was unfortunate to see her shot go wide of the far post before Marli Rhodes-Andrews came on for the Ewes.

In the 45th minute, Derby’s top goalscorer Amy Sims would double her side’s lead. Eleanor Ashton’s low cross-shot was palmed into the path of Sims by Lauren Webb and the Ewes’ number two could slot it home.

Eight minutes into the second half, Derby could have had a third. After a long ball forward from Sarah Jackson, Sims and Ward linked up down the right. Ashton pulled the ball back for Emelia Wilson, whose effort was just wide.

There was action at both ends with 25 minutes to play. Amy Sims saw effort saved before Cambridge went up the other end, only to be denied by a crucial tackle from Charlotte Steggles.

Sarah Jackson would deliver another good ball to the back post from a free kick on the right with 20 minutes to play, but Sims headed it wide.

As the final ten minutes approached, Marli Rhodes-Andrews’ corner nearly crept in, but the Ewes would add a third with five minutes to play.

It came in the form of a thunderbolt from midfielder Emily Joyce, who scored her first goal of the season to round off a historic victory.

Analysis: A comfortable win.

All things considered; it was a fairly comfortable afternoon in Manchester for Derby. Of course, with Cambridge a fourth-tier outfit, the Ewes were going into the game as favourites, and they didn’t disappoint.

Cambridge were resilient and physically strong, putting up a good fight. But Derby were in control pretty much from the first whistle until the last. They showcased their technical quality, looking much more comfortable on the ball than their opponents, and easily could have, perhaps should have, scored more than three goals.

It was a great team performance from Derby, but in terms of the best individual displays, Emelia Wilson deservedly won player of the match, the number seven was everywhere in central midfield. Alongside her, Emily Joyce was solid, shielding the backline and then popping up with a stunning goal late on. Up front, Amy Sims was always a threat, pressing high up the pitch and getting into some great goalscoring positions. Eleanor Ashton showed the composure of a senior professional from the spot, as well as making some great runs down the right in the first half to stretch the play and drive Derby forward.

After what has been a slightly disappointing league season, this is a massive achievement for Sam Griffiths’ young side. With comprehensive wins throughout the competition, be it 5-0 at Doncaster Rovers Belles, 5-2 at Northampton, 5-0 again at Sutton Coldfield or 4-2 at Exter City, it’s one that they thoroughly deserve and must use as a platform to push on. This starts with their final three games of the season: away to Wolves on Wednesday night, at home to Liverpool Feds on Sunday and away to Burnley on the final day.

The other thing that struck me at Broadhurst Park was yet another reminder of just how much this club means. With the Women’s team having made history, the men have a chance to do the same on Saturday. Of course we must thank David Clowes, but the final mention should go to the dedicated players, staff and volunteers who make the club tick.

Cambridge: Webb (GK), Rouse, Jackson (C), Cheal-Ferris, Kosky, Edgar, Fox, Cobb, Marden (Gillies 88’), Stojko-Down, Simmons (Simpson 60’) (Otten 86’).

Substitutes not used: Marjoram.

Derby: Morgan (GK), Jackson (Sheperd 90+2’), Steggles, Jenkins, Ward, Wilson, Joyce, May (Rhodes-Andrews 44’), Rai (Meadows 67’), Sims (C), Ashton (Sheridan 76’).

Substitutes not used: Draper (GK).

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