MATCH REPORT: ASHBOURNE 0-13 PRIDE PARK

Game 6 in 21 days for Pride was a potentially tricky trip to Ashbourne, who were promoted as Champions from Division 2 at the end of last season. Although they came into the game still to record their first win, their results to date - including narrow defeats to Draycott and Belper - suggested they were starting to find their feet in Division 1.

After conceding early in their last game on Wednesday, Pride were looking for a better start to the game on a saturated pitch with rain continuing to fall - but it could not really have started any better. Straight from Pride’s kick off, the ball was worked down the flank through some intricate passing before Beth Jones was played in and raced clear of the defence to slot home with 39 seconds played.

A second goal after six minutes, this time a dipping shot from just outside the area by Steph Eadon, consolidated the lead. There were chances to add to the score for Jones, Eadon, Loren Kitching and Ellie Coleman before Jones made it three just before the half hour, steering Aimee Healey-Raynor’s cross wide of the keeper.

Ten minutes before half-time, a clever throw by Izzy Wilsoncroft put Beth Jones in down the flank and she cut the ball back for Maja Znamirowska to make it 4-0 at half-time.

Whilst Pride were undoubtedly in control at this stage, it wasn’t by any means one sided up to this point, with Ashbourne forcing a couple of smart interventions from Jade Howell in the Pride goal. Unfortunately, just before half time she collided with Izzy Wilsoncroft and was unable to continue, Steph Eadon taking over goalkeeping duties for the final five minutes of the first half and into the second half.

If there were any concerns Pride might be put out of their stride by the enforced goalkeeping change, they were dispelled by two goals in two minutes shortly after the restart, and a further burst of three goals in four minutes around the hour.

Ashbourne’s goalkeeper made several good saves including one exceptional save in time added on, getting down really well to turn a shot by Steph Eadon round the post.

There were several well constructed goals, which were spread around with five for Beth Jones, two apiece for Tash Allderidge, Maja Znamirowska, Ellie Coleman (who also provided three assists) and one each for Steph Eadon and Sophie Ayton, contributing to a League best scoreline for the team.

Picking individual goals out is difficult but the goal that brought the loudest cheer was undoubtedly that scored by centre back Sophie Ayton, who set off on a purposeful run as the ball was played wide to Izzy Wilsoncroft, continuing as play built up and was found by Aimee Healey-Raynor’s through ball to finish with a first time dipping shot into the far corner from the edge of the penalty area - her first goal for 2 years and only her third ever League goal in 99 league appearances.

In difficult conditions Pride played some really fluid, attractive football, and were able to rotate extensively, including Beth Jones taking over from Steph Eadon in goal for the last quarter hour.

It was unfortunate for Ashbourne that they came up against an in form Pride for which everything just clicked on the day but, despite everything the hosts continued to play, showed considerable spirit and finished the game still carving out opportunities.

There is a little break from League action for the next two weeks, starting with the DGLL Challenge Cup 1st Round against Stanton Ilkeston at Moorways on Sunday 8th October (KO 1.30pm).