Match-winner Jess Smithurst was full of praise for her Derby Women’s futsal firsts teammates as they beat Nottingham University firsts 3-2 in a huge top-of-the-table clash.
Smithurst’s late winner at Kedleston Road meant Derby moved to first place in the BUCS Women’s Premier North futsal division, two points above Nottingham.
Derby’s win will also give them a psychological advantage as they play the reverse fixture against Nottingham at the David Ross Sports Centre on Friday afternoon, needing a draw to win the league.
Smithurst said: “I am really proud of all the girls; everybody dug in.
“It was tough going 1-0 down, then 2-1 down, but we got stuck in.”
Nottingham started strongly and took the lead through a brilliant finish by midfielder Amelia Penfold, excellently firing the ball off the far post and into the corner.
However, Derby responded well and equalised through a left-footed low shot by captain Ella Brennan.
It was deja-vu in the final moments of the first half when, once again, Brennan’s powerful low effort cancelled out a Penfold goal, ensuring the score was 2-2 at half-time.
Smithurst was fulsome in her praise for Tyler Denson as the manager switched tactics at the interval, allowing Derby to have more control of the ball.
She said: “Tyler [Denson] taught some sense into us.
“We just needed to calm down, play our game, take control, and we did that.”
Derby started the half the better, coming closest through a goalmouth scramble where both Emily Brett and Lucy Trail had efforts cleared off the line.
The home side remained positive throughout the match and found the winner with two minutes to spare.
Smithurst poked the ball past Nottingham’s keeper Hollee Hercik, meaning a hugely significant 3-2 victory, boosting title hopes exponentially.
The reverse fixture being played on Friday will give Derby a chance to carry on their positive form and clinch the title.
