In black and white this looks a routine win for Draycott and a repeat of the league game earlier this season. It was, however, a very different type of game and a much better performance by Pride Park than on that occasion.

Once again, Pride were severely depleted by injuries and illness which is now reaching epidemic proportions - with more players out than are available. Consequently, there were several players in unfamiliar positions, notably centre midfielders Tash Allderidge and Ella Kew in attack due to a complete lack of fit strikers. Another centre midfielder, Bella Dormer, dropped in at right back.

The pitch was in a pretty poor state with the grass very long, making for an unpredictable bounce and run of the ball - and in the heavy rain it was sometimes skimming off the wet surface and at other times not running through due to the drag effect of the grass.

Pride conceded two early goals, the second coming from an unpredictable run of the ball which looked like it would run through to keeper Jodie Hill, but held up in the grass and came up short - and was poked home by the striker.

A third goal after 22 minutes gave Draycott a comfortable margin, but Pride started to come into the game more and to play some good football as the half wore on, leading to a few shots from distance. With no further goals at either end at half-time it remained 0-3.

Shortly after the start of the second half, Pride were forced into their first substitution as Fran Critchley-Watson limped off with an ankle injury, to be replaced by Hannah Roberts - her first involvement since the opening minutes of the first league game of the season in which she sustained an ankle injury.

After a couple of unsuccessful attempts on goal Tash Allderidge’s tireless work up front was rewarded with a goal to pull it back to 1-3 after 70 minutes. However, Draycott restored the three goal cushion a minute later. Another enforced substitution was required for Pride after 74 minutes, Jess Page coming off with a foot injury, replaced by Jade Howell who went in goal, with starting goalkeeper Jodie Hill now playing outfield.

Tash Allderidge appeared to be brought down from behind when breaking through - but no free kick was given - and was brought back for a marginal offside, when through - but Pride just can’t buy a break at the moment.

After 78 minutes Jade Howell was caught square in the face by a full blooded shot and keeled over. The rebound was put in to make the score 5-1 before the referee had a chance to stop play. Fortunately, Jade was eventually able to continue.

Pride’s injury woes weren’t over, however, as Annie Laight limped off with ten minutes of normal time left, and was shortly followed by Ella Kew - with no further substitutes available Pride finished the game with nine players.

Despite the score line, this was a significant improvement in performance on the league fixture against Draycott a month ago. The players put in a great effort, played some good football at times and once everyone had adjusted to their unfamiliar roles after the first 25 minutes gave a good account of themselves in extremely challenging circumstances.

Once again, Bella Dormer did well as a fill-in full back, and her pace and reading of the game was a great asset as she covered round several times to good effect.
Jodie Hill’s handling - in difficult conditions, particularly in the first half - and her kicking, were again excellent and Tash Allderidge worked tirelessly up front and did well to take her goal. However, Player of the Match was Abbey Hirst; solid at the back with good anticipation and recovery runs in her first full ninety minutes after over a year out with an ankle injury.

Pride currently have no game next week, which is a relief - the rest and recuperation time is desperately needed. As it currently stands, the next fixture is 3rd Nov in the Challenge Cup when Pride host Stanton Ilkeston in the DGLL Challenge Cup (ko 1.30pm), for which we hope to have a few back from illness or injury.