The foxes travelled away to Derby for a tough test to the start of the FA Women’s National League Premier North season. We were pleased to see many familiar faces at the game as Derby worked hard with Mickleover Sports Club to allow fans at the game!
Foxes lined up with four debutants (Mayfield, Taft, Miller, Steadman) and centre back Emily Sharpe made her debut in the first team after having played for both the Vixens and Development teams for Foxes previously!
The game started with Derby taking the lead after only 4 minutes after a foul from Ce Webb just outside the box led to a booking and a converted free kick from Tinsley. But Foxes kept their heads up and battled hard to get back into the game. Goalkeeper Holly Mayfield made some great saves to keep the score 1-0 and was calm under pressure dealing with pass backs. Loughborough continued to put pressure on Derby in the search of an equaliser with some smart free-kicks from Laura Steele. This pressure was rewarded as Steadman converted after her first shot was saved and the keeper was unable to recover quickly.
Foxes were quick to try and take the lead as they launched strong attacks at the Derby goal. Loughborough had the ball in the back of the net only 3 minutes after scoring but it was ruled out for offside by the assistant referee. Not to be held back by the decision Loughborough kept going and Steadman got a brace after running onto a through ball and slotting it past Morgan.
Derby got another goal later on in the half from close range bringing the score level. However, Foxes kept battling and challenging the Derby defence. Just before the break captain Young was brought down in the box and awarded a penalty. Young stepped up and calmly put it past the Derby keeper to give Foxes the lead going into half-time.
The second half started as quickly as the first did for Derby with the Ewes being awarded a penalty after a challenge in the Loughborough box. The penalty was converted by Barber just out of reach for Mayfield and the score was level again.
Foxes kept battling to try and get back in front with strong work rate from Mcgrother in both boxes! Taft was put into the referee’s book after bringing down the Tinsley whilst stopping the counter attack. Both teams continued to be strong in midfield putting in strong challenges. Derby began to launch multiple attacks but the Foxes backline remained organised and caught the Ewes offside twice in quick succession. Derby’s goalscorer Keryakoplis was put into the referee’s book for talking back to the referee.
Mayfield continued to impress for the Foxes on her debut stepping in for the injured Burle. The keeper made a brave save diving at the striker’s feet which caused her to need to receive treatment, however, she was able to continue. Loughborough made a late substitution with Fran Miller being replaced by debutant Grace Lowe in midfield.
The game ended with both sides sharing the points. Strong performances from all of the players making their first Loughborough Foxes appearance with Steadman scoring two key goals and Mayfield being voted player of the match for her crucial saves!
The Foxes face Stoke next Sunday (27th) who are currently sitting at the top of the table after beating Sheffield United in their opening fixture.