MATCH REPORT | PRIDE PARK 3 - 3 DRAYCOTT VICTORIA

We were pleased to welcome guest reporter Archie Brown to Wednesday’s game. Archie is a student at Derby College and has aspirations to study Sports Journalism at the University of Derby. This was Archie’s first time at a Pride Park game or, indeed a DGLL fixture so he brings a fresh perspective to our match reports:

Welcome to the first mid-week game of the 23/24 season for Pride Park FC. The visitors, Draycott Victoria, came into this fixture with all the momentum as early League leaders, having played 3, won 3 and scored 15 goals.
 
The away side kicked off this highly anticipated fixture though fumbled possession early on gave Pride Park an opening, but the home sides’ defence started shakily as a miscommunication in defence provided a chance for Draycott, but the attacker’s shot was forced wide and out for a goal kick.
 
Then followed a moment of magic from Pride Park’s Steph Eadon as she picked up the ball on the left flank and drove towards the penalty area, beating 2 players in the process, before fizzing a divine outside-of-the-boot pass to the far side - though the attacking move was closed down by the Draycott defence.
 
ALMOST! After further impressive attacking pressure, Beth Jones found teammate Eadon for Pride Park’s first real shooting chance but she fired straight at the goalkeepers legs. Pride Park were comfortable in possession against the league leaders and pushing for further attacking chances as when Annabel Laight delivered a peach of a delivery from a set-piece to find Jodie Hill, who laid it off for Beth Jones to shoot, though once again the goalkeeper was present to deny the home side an opener.
 
GOAL: 0-1! The away side capitalised on some lackadaisical defending from Pride Park after 21 minutes as the Draycott no.11 picked up a loose ball inside the area and kept her composure, whilst surrounded by Pride Park defenders, to slot the ball past an unfortunate Jade Howell who got a heavy touch on the ball but couldn’t keep it out the net.
 
Take a bow Beth Jones! Similarly to team-mate Stephanie Eadon earlier in the first half, the number 2 received the ball near the corner flag and whilst she got a tad lucky with a deflection, managed to beat 2 Draycott defenders and produce a fine curling effort though it still wasn’t enough to beat an impressive Kimberly Jeffery in goal.
 
She’s at it again! With Pride Park running riot after going behind, Jones had another impressive shot this time hitting the post! Will her fortunes upturn as the first half progresses? Pride Park continued to impress after an another audatious attempt was made, this time from Rachel Weaver.
 
GOAL: 0-2!  After little to no attacking chances for Draycott, a smart move allowed them to get some space and have a decent shot which hit the post which unfortunately for Pride Park fell straight to an attacker who slotted the ball into an empty net to give Draycott a further lead and add to the home side’s misery after 38 minutes.

The first half was proving to be a real case of not being clinical enough for Pride Park as, although luck played a part, they were unable to convert any of their chances. Frustrated Assistant Jamie Robinson appeared to demand more from the home side, keeping possession better and the ball grounded.
 
GOAL: 1-2!  Finally a glimmer of hope for Pride Park with 43 mins played. After a fine run and cut back from Loren Kitching, she found team mate Beth Jones who swivelled to shoot on the turn and, after several efforts, finally got the goal that she deserved.
 
PENALTY! Steph Eadon put a superb cross into the area and goalkeeper Kimberly Jeffery wiped out Pride’s Ellie-Mae Coleman to give the home side a glimmer of hope to get back into the game from the spot, four minutes into time added on.
 
GOAL: 2-2!  Captain Natasha Allderidge confidently slotted the penalty away into the bottom right corner, though goalkeeper Jeffery got a strong touch, she couldn't keep it out and the home side drew level just before the half time whistle.
 
SECOND HALF:
 
Pride Park started the second half where they left off, though after good runs, a couple of shots from Jones were off target. This good spell continued for Pride Park as they continued to create opportunities without being able to capitalise on them. Almost! A great run and subsequent cross from Captain Allderidge - though Beth Jones wasn’t able to convert the opportunity.
 
GOAL: 2-3! Jodie Smith with the best goal of the night so far for Draycott after 69 minutes. After a cut back cross was deflected to the edge of the area and with her back to goal she produced a sensational half-volley into the right-hand corner to restore the away side’s lead.
 
Play was paused shortly afterwards as Draycott goalscorer Smith stayed down clutching her knee after a 50/50 Challenge, play restarting with a drop ball. Back (almost) with a bang! Smith received the ball centrally and despite appeals for handball drove into the area producing a great shot that fell just wide of the target!
 
Pride responded to the challenge of coming back from behind again and continued to create chances; Beth Jones and Tash Allderidge both having opportunities. Promise for an equaliser continued though for the home side as they looked to keep possession and force errors on the Draycott defence.
 
Yellow cards all round! 3 bookings inside 10 minutes for Draycott as they resorted to the dark arts to break up play: one for the manager for unpsorting behaviour (kicking not one but two balls away while running the line), one for a dangerous high boot on Beth Jones and another for handball, the last of which lead to a free kick in a very promising position for Pride Park. Natasha Allderidge to take.

GOAL! 3-3: INCREDIBLE!  From at least 20 yards out just to the left of centre, Allderidge produced unquestionably the goal of the night with a superb curling effort into the top right corner. A real touch of class from the captain who scored her second set-piece goal of the evening!
 
FULL-TIME: 3-3
Very enjoyable game from a neutral point of view as Pride Park came back from behind twice to earn a point against the early league leaders at Moorways Stadium.
 

As this was my first experience attending a Pride Park Football Club match, I was impressed by the facilities provided and the overall welcoming feel to the football club. The quality from both teams was no surprise considering both of their opening results in the league, though was entertaining to watch nonetheless.
 
I would like to thank Pride Park FC for giving me the opportunity to cover the game and look forward to the next fixture!