Last week, our Derby County Women’s U19’s squad travelled to Swindon for an overnight stay ahead of their fixture the following day. Many of the squad study at Friesland School, either A Level students or undertaking the Cambridge Technical qualification and have represented Derby County alongside their studies throughout the season.
The tie was the final fixture of the season and the squad needed just a draw to ensure the league title would be theirs, having had a long trip down to Bristol earlier in the season, the squad opted for an overnight stay for the players in a local hotel to ensure the players were in the best condition to play the game the following day.
The side got off to a flying start in the game, taking a early lead which was quickly doubled to settle any nerves. Derby, as they have done for most of the season controlled the ball very well, playing some brilliant football and creating some good opportunities. After having a third goal disallowed for offside, the team did get their third and a fourth before half time to take a strong lead into the break.
The second half was a tighter affair with less opportunities but Derby did manage to get another goal midway through the half to give them a 5-0 lead. The only downside was that Swindon were able to grab a consolation goal late on but that didn’t deter from a fantastic performance and a season to remember for all of the players as they finished 5-1 winners and claimed the league title for the first time for our women’s programme.
A special well done to all of the Friesland students who have been part of the squad this season: Abigail Fitch, Aimee Bluff, Alex Owens, Ella Brennan, Eve Shepherd, Libby West, Lydia Pascoe, Millie Jenkins and Sophie Marshall.
