Derby County Women earned a hard-fought 1‑1 draw at Stoke City Women in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division at the Wellbeing Arena on Wednesday night.
It was Sam Griffiths’ second away draw in the week, following a stalemate at Halifax on Sunday.
Despite an early setback, the Ewes displayed determination and character, creating several promising chances and responding well under challenging conditions.
Stoke Take the Lead
Stoke City made the brighter start, pressing aggressively from the first whistle.
Their early intensity paid off in the 15th minute when Evie Priestley capitalised on a loose pass from Derby’s defence, racing past Lucy Jones and calmly slotting the ball into an empty net.
The opener boosted the hosts’ confidence and forced Derby to reorganise, with the Ewes focusing on maintaining defensive shape while looking to exploit opportunities on the counter.
Stoke controlled possession in the opening stages, and Derby had to remain disciplined to prevent further damage.
First-Half Challenges for Derby
Derby struggled to create clear openings during the first half. Georgia Stevens, Kate Oakley, and Chenè Muir worked hard to test Stoke’s organised backline but found space limited and passing lanes tightly closed.
The closest chance came when Oakley connected with a low delivery into the box, only for Stoke keeper Lucy Farrell to make a sharp save to deny the Ewes.
Despite being behind, Derby remained composed, keeping their shape and patiently building from the back in preparation for a stronger second-half performance.
Second-Half Response and Equaliser
Derby emerged after the interval with renewed purpose. Midfielder Georgia Stevens led the attacking efforts, with Oakley and Muir providing pace and width down the flanks, stretching Stoke’s defence.
On a rain-soaked pitch that made passing difficult, Derby adapted well, moving the ball with intent and looking to exploit gaps in the Potters’ lines.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 52nd minute when the 22-year-old midfielder drove into the box and drew a foul, calmly converting the resulting penalty into the bottom-left corner to level the score.
The equaliser lifted Derby’s spirits and inspired them to push forward. A slick move in the 57th minute saw Ebonie Locke combine with the midfielder down the right.
A low cross found Olivia Edwards, only for Stoke’s defence to intervene before Muir could strike. Later, the attacking playmaker came close to a second with two further efforts before the 70th minute.
First was a long-range looping shot that narrowly drifted wide, followed by a tidy finish inside the box that lacked the power to beat Farrell.
Derby’s approach in the second half demonstrated both patience and creativity, as they combined possession-based build-up with moments of direct threat, testing Stoke’s defensive organisation repeatedly.
Closing Stages
Stoke regained control in the closing stages, launching a series of corners that tested Derby’s defensive resolve.
The Ewes held firm, defending with discipline and organisation to secure a well-earned point away from home.
The result highlighted the team’s resilience and ability to respond under pressure, earning valuable points in a competitive division.
Team News
Derby County (Starting XI):
Lucy Jones (GK), Mason, Olivia Edwards, Joyce (C), Ward, Kate Oakley, Georgia Stevens (Skeldon 88), Ebonie Locke, May, Sparkes, Chenè Muir (Wilson 65)
Unused Substitutes: Wayne (GK), Bryan, Drake, Wheeler, Donnison
Stoke City (Starting XI): Farrell, Molinari, Cook (Lloyd 89′), Lancaster, Jenkins, Wilson (Reidford 55′), Deering, Wilkinson, Stamps, Priestley (Clarke 69′), Cole
Unused Substitutes: Grimshaw, Hughes, Kennerley, Millington
Next Fixture
Derby will complete a three-game week when they return to the Don Amott Arena on Sunday to face Sporting Khalsa (2pm kick-off) whilst Stoke travel to Middlesbrough also on Sunday afternoon.
