Ewe Rams beat Forest in front of a record crowd
DERBY County Women celebrated their first victory against Nottingham Forest Women since the 2018-19 season as they won 2-0 at the City Ground in front of a record crowd for the Reds.
There were 4,443 fans inside Forest’s home for the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division fixture – doubling the previous record attendance for a league fixture – and they saw an actionpacked first half.
Ewe Rams keeper Charlotte Clarke produced a fine save to keep out a Rosie Axten penalty on the half-hour mark.
Then, two goals in two minutes from Emily Joyce and Ellie Gilliatt before the break stunned the home side as Ewe Rams made it five wins on the trot.
Ewe Rams manager Sam Griffiths said: “I’m delighted to get the win, we’ve not won the derby since the 2018-19 season.
“It was a game of two halves. I thought we controlled the first half for long spells but the penalty save from Charlotte gave us a massive boost. Then to get two quick goals, it seemed to really knock them and we benefitted.
“We knew they would have more impetus in the second half but the way we stuck to our game plan, defended so well, it seemed to frustrate them.
“Looking back at the second half, despite their pressure we had the best chance to score again.
“I’m just so pleased for everyone at the club. We work hard on and off the pitch, staff, players and those behind the scenes, so this is something to celebrate but we need to get back to work straight away and prepare for our next game against Loughborough Lightning on Thursday.”
Gilliatt caused early problems for the Forest defenders, while Precious Hamilton went close but couldn’t keep her header down.
The home side began to find their feet and had a great chance to take the lead when Freya Thomas was brought down in the box. Axten’s penalty, however, was superbly saved by Clarke.
The deadlock was broken moments later at the other end when a ball into the box wasn’t dealt with by Reds goalkeeper Emily Batty, allowing Joyce an easy tap-in.
And Forest were reeling when Gilliatt scored Ewe Rams’ second with a 30-yard free kick that gave Batty no chance.
Forest searched for a leveller early in the second half but Ewe Rams stood strong.
At the other end, Sophie Domingo had a great chance for Ewe Rams and only a last-ditch tackle by LauraJayne O’neill prevented the visitors from extending their lead.
Victory meant Ewe Rams leapfrogged Forest in the table and are only a point behind top spot.
Ewe Rams will aim for their sixth straight league win tomorrow night when they travel to face Loughborough Lightning (7.45pm).