MATCH REPORT | BORROWASH VICTORIA 0-2 PRIDE PARK

The recent poor weather contributing to an already congested fixture schedule resulted in this DGLL Cup quarter-final being switched to the University of Derby artificial pitch to ensure it was played. Even that wasn’t without its issues but these were overcome with a bit of creativity and co-operation between the teams and the game went ahead.

Playing into a strong and blustery wind The Pride made a promising start to the first half, Ellie Coleman heading over from a Tash Allderidge corner in the opening minutes. The first real opportunity came after 11 minutes when Tash Allderidge played a ball through for Beth Jones but as the ‘keeper came out quickly her first time shot went wide. There was no mistake a minute later, however. Molly Boultbee’s free-kick from half-way was perfectly placed into the space behind the defensive line and Beth Jones was first to it, taking the ball high on the bounce to lift it over the keeper.

Vics had a chance to respond five minutes later when they were awarded a free-kick outside the area but with a strong wind to help it was well within shooting range. The shot direct from the kick was well hit but although dipping cleared the crossbar and was watched all the way by Jade Howell.

Both sides had a couple of efforts off target, before Vics had another opportunity to strike at goal from a free kick after 24 minutes. This time it was from closer in - just outside the penalty area, and it was well hit, clearing the wall and heading just inside the foot of the post but Jade Howell was down smartly to push it around the post at the expense of a corner.

There was a nearly-but-not-quite moment for The Pride just after the half-hour when Eliot Sayavong played a clever reverse pass through for Ellie Coleman, but her pass across the centre just evaded Beth Jones, who would have been through on goal had she been able to gather the ball.

The last action of any significance in a very evenly contested first half was a shot off target by Vics, about six minutes before half-time at which it remained 1-0 to The Pride.

Vics started the second half, as might be expected, pushing to get back on level terms. They were nearly helped by a brief moment of indecision at the back for the Pride within the first minute, but a looping shot went over the crossbar. A couple of minutes later, build up play by Vics down The Pride’s left culminated in a low cross into the box which was hit first time from about 10 yards, forcing another excellent save by Jade Howell, who for the second time in the game got down to push the shot around the post.

Pride settled down after that and just after 50 minutes an Izzy Wilsoncroft throw and a good turn by Ellie Coleman set Ellie away down the right - she evaded the defenders’ challenges and cut into the area but her cross-shot from a tight angle was collected by the Vics ‘keeper. Six minutes later, a contender for goal of the month extended The Pride’s lead. Vics took a throw-in half way inside the Pride half. Tash Allderidge did well to step across the intended recipient to regain possession and play a short square pass for Molly Boultbee to step out from centre back and go on a driving run forward, evading all challengers and continuing through into the Vics’ area before slotting past the keeper.

There were still over 30 minutes to play, but it is testament to how well Pride managed the game, that although Vics had good possession they were limited to a shot off target after 69 minutes, and a shot comfortably gathered by Jade Howell after 77 minutes. Beth Jones also had a shot off target inside the last ten minutes and, with almost the last kick of the game, Eliot Sayavong’s shot was collected by Vics’ keeper.

It was a game of very few chances between two evenly matched teams. Pride did well on the day to restrict Vics to shots mainly from distance, but were grateful on a couple of occasions for smart saves by ‘keeper Jade Howell, who deserved her clean sheet. An excellent finish by Beth Jones and an outstanding individual goal by Molly Boultbee proved the difference on the day. The reward for The Pride is a semi-final away to Wirksworth Colts next Sunday.

Before that, however, Ashbourne are the visitors to Moorways this Wednesday, 10th April (KO 7pm) for an important League fixture. A twisted knee just before half-time ended Aimee Healy-Raynor’s involvement yesterday and there were several players taking knocks which we hope will clear up in time for Wednesday’s game.