The opening 30+ minutes were evenly matched. PPFC played some great football — every player won their duels, stayed compact, and showed great composure in possession. Although PPFC were competing and creating opportunities, towards the end of the first half Ilkeston Town scored two in reasonably quick succession.

Fifteen minutes into the second half, Ilkeston added a third. PPFC responded with sustained pressure, creating several good chances, but the ball just wouldn’t fall kindly. Even after conceding a fourth, the team’s resilience never wavered. The girls continued to play confident, intelligent football and proving themselves as strong contenders.

PPFC kept pressing Ilkeston's goal. Another brilliant run down the right by Yumi saw her cut in towards goal before being brought down and a free kick being awarded on the edge of the area. The resulting play led to more goalmouth scrambles and pressure. Then, with just a minute to play, PPFC’s persistence was rewarded when a handball in the box gave them a penalty. Anya stepped up and coolly slotted the ball past the keeper into the bottom corner — a fantastic finish.

It was another performance full of positives. The final scoreline didn’t reflect the quality of PPFC’s possession, approach, or teamwork. It was an outstanding effort against strong opposition — and another step forward in what’s already been an incredible start to the season. The defensive line deserves special mention — Taylor commanded her area superbly, while Betsy, Patsy, Polly, Lillie-Rose, and Violet played calm, composed football in front of her.

Player of the Match: Fliss — for setting the tone from the outset with her relentless tackling, composure on the ball, and calm, intelligent distribution throughout.