Wolves 4 (Hughes 9, Greengrass 19, Morphet pen 29, J.Cross 45) Derby County 0
Wolves Women were rightful winners against Derby County at the SEAH Stadium, as the Old Gold returned to the summit of the league table on Sunday afternoon.
In what was their first home game of the new year, Dan McNamara made two changes to the starting 11 that netted seven in last week’s Black Country derby at Stourbridge.
Jade Cross replaced Destiney Toussaint who was suspended, while Abbi Jenner was given her first start back since returning from injury.
The Old Gold started as they meaned to go on and found the back of the net twice in the opening 20 minutes, and in what has been a consistent story this season – Amber Hughes and Charlotte Greengrass both got their names on the scoresheet.
Beth Roberts’ teasing cross fizzed across the box and was parried by Lucy Jones, but Hughes was in the perfect position to tap the ball into an unguarded net.
Greengrass added another goal to her tally when she was played through on goal 10 minutes later and passed the ball into the bottom right corner to double Wolves’ advantage.
Shortly after, Anna Morphet stepped up from 12 yards and comfortably converted her penalty to give Wolves a three-goal cushion.
Just before the break, Cross’ determination was rewarded with a goal, after the ball had been spilled by Jones, Wolves’ number nine ensured that it crossed the white line.
McNamara’s side were comfortable to keep possession of the ball and limited the Rams of any clear chances on Bec Thomas’ goal in the first half.
Half-time | Wolves 4-0 Derby County
Wolves did not take their foot off the gas in the second half and created several chances throughout the first 20 minutes after the restart but struggled to add a fifth goal.
The majority of the second half was played in the opponent's defensive third, as Wolves continued to press high and were in full control of the game, dictating the tempo when having the ball.
Greengrass struck a ferocious half-volley with 10 minutes to go and tested Jones, but the goalkeeper did well to palm the effort onto the post.
McNamara’s side will now turn their attention to a trip to Rugby Borough on Sunday 2nd February, looking to extend their advantage at the top of the table.
Full-time | Wolves 4-0 Derby County
LINE-UPS
Wolves | Thomas, Morphet, George (Loydon 81), J.Cross (Quigley 70), Hughes (Hiscox 75), Greengrass, Johnson, Anderson (Holmes 81), Roberts, Jenner, Merrick (Smith 70).
Subs not used | Clarke, Denham.
Derby County | Jones, Jackson, Hilliard, Wilson (Steggles 46), Joyce, Muir (Lewis 69), Oakley (Skeldon 46), Hogg (Rai 46), Burt, May, McCaffrey.
Subs not used | Tweedie, Ward, McGowan.
NEXT UP
02/02/2025 Rugby Borough Women (A) FAWNL Northern Premier Division
08/02/2025 Manchester United Women (H) Adobe Women’s FA Cup
12/02/2025 Sporting Khalsa Women (H) FAWNL Northern Premier Division
23/02/2025 Stoke City Women (H) FAWNL Northern Premier Division
02/02/2025 Rugby Borough (A) FAWNL Northern Premier Division
Report by Thomas Gibson
