MANAGER Steve Hall says there were plenty of positives from Derby County Ladies' defeat by Nottingham Forest that his side can build on ahead of their league fixture at Newcastle United tomorrow.

Although the Rams were beaten 4-1 in their first league cup group game by Forest, who play in the division above them, Derby battled hard and took a 16th-minute lead through Marie Wayne.

Hall said: "We're trying to play better football this season, rather than running around a bit like headless chickens.

"We tried to do that against Forest, fight fire with fire, so to speak, and it kind of worked.

"There is certainly an improvement on last season's standard and we matched them until a spell just after half-time, when they played some really good stuff."

At 1-0 up Derby looked comfortable but conceded seven minutes before half-time.

They had a decent penalty shout after the restart, when Nikki Ledgister appeared to be kicked on her shin in the area but, with Ledgister managing to remain on her feet, the referee waved play on.

Forest then took the lead through Suzanne Davies and, in a furious few minutes, the Reds extended their lead with a 35-yard effort that flew into the top corner and then with a fine solo effort from Ellie Gilliat.

"We ended the game well and can take the positives into the weekend's game against Newcastle," added Hall.

"We have Precious Hamilton back in the side – she has dual registration until the Super League starts, when she will rejoin her parent club, Doncaster Rovers Belles.

"Her experience is valuable to the side.

"As for Newcastle, they beat Leeds City Vixens 1-0 in their opening game but then lost 4-1 in the league cup to the same side, so who knows how they'll perform on Sunday?

"They're usually a strong side, so it will be a tough fixture."

Meanwhile, the club are still looking for someone to manage their reserve side for the coming season.

Suitably qualified coaches should call Raffaele Long on 07710 492936.