Sam sees two points dropped as Ewe Rams lose scoring touch
DERBY County Women stayed top of the FA Women’s National League Northern Division even though they were held to a frustrating goalless draw by AFC Fylde Women at Mickleover.
The home side largely dominated but could not find a way through a resolute defensive display by a third-placed Coasters side that could have leapfrogged the Ewe Rams with a victory.
“I’m surprisingly disappointed as I thought we were all round the better side and it just needed a goal to settle it,” said boss Sam Griffiths.
“While we credit Fylde for a solid defensive display, it feels like two points dropped.
“It could have really set us up going into Christmas and while I can’t fault our attitude and effort, it’s frustrating to see we are going through a period where we are struggling to hit the net.
“We’ve scored plenty of goals this year and maybe we’ve used some of our luck up early in the season but we’ll keep plugging away. We’re creating the chances, we’re just not quite at the races in the final third at the moment.”
Though the Ewe Rams couldn’t get the crucial goal to take the three points, Griffiths was delighted with the clean sheet and praised the back line, who have conceded only six goals all season in the league.
“I thought we looked back to our best at the back and we didn’t really look like conceding on the whole,” she added.
“That has been the story of the season really. We seem to be a strong unit even when injuries occur.
“We’re still missing Hannah (Ward) and we’ve lost goalkeeper Charlotte Clarke to Liverpool this week, so we’re thin on the ground at the back, but its pleasing to be so strong in this area.
“As always with this time of the
year, we’ve got niggles we can’t shake off but we’ve got a break until the 19th when we face Middlesbrough, so I’m hoping we can get Wardy back at least.
“Goalkeeper-wise, to lose Charlotte is a big blow but it’s Liverpool and it’s a fantastic
opportunity for her.
“That leaves us with just Sarah (Morgan) and we’re going to have to look at getting another goalkeeper in, but it’s tough these days and Sarah is a quality goalkeeper, so we’ve got time and options to find the right fit.”