By Harry Cooper-Smith
Manager Tyler Denson was left pleased by Derby women’s seconds’ fast start as they won 3-0 against Warwick women’s fourths.
Denson was impressed as his side scored an early goal in the British Universities and Colleges Championship (BUCS) match at Kedleston Road.
The hosts started the game with intent as they opened the scoring through Scarlett Parr.
The Derby attacker bundled the ball into the Warwick net after a poor clearance from the visitors.
Derby tested the Warwick defence moments later as Parr slid a ball in behind the visitor’s defence.
Warwick goalkeeper Amy Holmes rushed out of goal to mop up the danger as she collected the through ball.
After Parr scored the opening goal in the third minute, Denson praised his side’s start to the game.
He said: “We [normally] start a bit slow and we are taking 20, 25 minutes to get into the game.
“To go in front and then have something to hang onto and then build from is good.”
It was not until the 23rd minute when Warwick tested the hosts’ defence as Sophie Phillips raced through on goal.
Her effort was well saved by Derby’s Hannah Walker, who was a makeshift goalkeeper on the day.
The home side had an opportunity to double their advantage six minutes later.
The hosts were awarded a penalty after a handball inside the box, however Derby’s Alesha Hobster missed the spot-kick.
Parr eventually doubled Derby’s lead after half-time as she struck home for her brace after the interval.
In the 65th minute, Denson’s side scored a third as Alyssa Richmond thundered home a long-range strike from 25 yards out.
The home team were cruising to three points.
The hosts had the chance to make it four just before the full-time whistle, but Holmes made a smart save to deny Derby.
Denson was full of praise for his side after the final whistle.
He said: “I think we were the most organised I have seen us all season, to be fair.
“I think we have really come to groups with what we’re asking as we started the season really well, and now we are sort of growing into ourselves again.”
The hosts were solid defensively and that did not go unnoticed as Denson highlighted the importance of keeping a clean sheet.
“[It has a] massive impact. I think just the big boost that gives us [is important] because we know we can defend well,” he said.
“It gives us a platform a to build from going forward.”
Derby take on Birmingham women’s fifths at Kedleston Road in their next match as they look to build on their emphatic 3-0 win.
