The Development team consolidated their position in Division 3 of the Derbyshire Ladies League yesterday with a comeback win in a see-saw match against Allenton United at Moorways.

In an entertaining game each team had periods in the ascendancy and, just as it seemed that one team would go on and build on a lead, the other team came back into it.

Allenton made a strong start, taking a two goal lead with goals after 7 and 25 minutes.

The Pride’s Devs fought back with three goals inside four minutes. The first came from the spot after 30 minutes, after Paige Plaistow burst in to the area and was tripped. She picked herself up to score from the spot to score - and two minutes later had a second - bravely lifting the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper as she dived at her feet, moments before the inevitable collision left both players prone on the ground. Sarah Coles scored the third after 34 minutes to give Pride Park Devs the advantage.

Pride missed a chance to edge further ahead when given a second penalty, which was saved, after Naomi Coull was hauled down in the area. Just as it seemed Pride’s Devs would get to half time with a slender advantage, Allenton hit back with two goals, the first right on 45 minutes and the second three minutes into time added on to give them a 3-4 lead at the break.

Pride came out of the blocks fast at the start of the second half, not only pegging Allenton back within a minute of the restart with Sarah Coles’ equaliser, but retaking the lead with a third for Coles after 49 minutes - not to be outdone Paige Plaistow completed a breathless four minutes and her hat-track a minute later to put Pride Park Devs 6-4 ahead.

The game continued to ebb and flow as both sides continued to attack at will, but it took until the 68th minute for the next goal as Allenton pulled one back (6-5) to set up an interesting final twenty minutes.

Both sides had opportunities but couldn’t find the finishing touch - although Jess Galbraith made an excellent diving save to push a direct free kick away and her counterpart in the Allenton goal was also called into action on a couple of occasions. The game was settled in favour of The Pride with a minute left to play when Hannah Roberts slammed home a rebound from close range.

Inevitably, with a hat-trick apiece, Sarah Coles and Paige Plaistow catch the headlines, but there were good performances all round for the Devs including a promising debut for Abbie Upton.

Pride Park Development remain fifth in the table but the win consolidates their position; they are now only separated from Allenton in fourth on goal difference. Perhaps more importantly, it demonstrates the progress the team is making as they inflicted only the second league defeat of the season on Allenton.

Next game for the Devs is Borrowash Victoria Reserves away on 17/11 (ko 1.30pm) - currently showing as Anderson Electrical Arena at Borrowash but subject to confirmation nearer the time.