Matt Quigg reports from Kedleston Road
Hat-trick hero Emily Brett returned to guide Derby university women’s firsts to victory in the Women’s National Trophy.
The striker said she enjoyed playing with a quality group of players, adding it was good to be back with a 3-1 victory over Oxford Women’s 1s.
The visitors had beaten Derby fairly convincingly, winning 6-1 just three weeks ago.
Brett said: “Obviously, it was a wake-up call after the first time the girls played them, [Oxford], but today we showed real quality all over.”
“Hopefully today was the kick-starter and the girls can carry on and progress after this win, after a tough start to the season.”
Despite appearing for the first time this season, she admitted: “It won’t be all year, it will only be if and when I can.”
Derby got off to a blistering start in the 15th minute after a well-worked goal was crossed in by Eleanor Humphrey and fired home by Brett.
The hosts doubled their lead in the 54th minute after a lofted ball in from Mia Turner was met by Brett’s head and put it away cleanly.
The hat-trick was secured for the striker in the 74th minute after a deflected cross found the back of the net from the right-hand side of the area.
Oxford pulled one back in the 79th minute after a well-weighted pass from Katie Glendening found Jordan Di Verniero for what was only a consolation.
Brett was delighted with her personal performance and was very happy with how the game went in the cup win but believes the squad can achieve more.
She said: “Obviously, I want personal rewards, but at the end of the day it’s about getting the wins as a team.”
Derby will look to carry on this form next week against Loughborough thirds at home in the British Universities and Colleges Sport competition.
