Women's football: Derby County Ladies at full strength for crunch clash

DERBY County will be at full strength for the first time this season as they prepare for a crucial game against Curzon Ashton on Sunday.

Victory for the Rams would see them pull further away from the relegation zone and, if results elsewhere go their way, they could be up to seventh.

"It's the first time that I have had a full-strength squad to choose from, so a few girls will be disappointed on Sunday morning," said Hall.

"The Curzon Ashton game is massive for us. I won't say a win would mean that we're pulling away, because there are only a few points between the sides this season.

"But it would be a boost for us.

"I think we are capable of taking seven points from our next three games, if everything goes according to plan."

The Rams were left feeling disappointed after letting a two-goal lead slip against Newcastle United, who fought back for a 2-2 draw, last weekend.

Melissa Johnson, making only her second senior start for the Rams, gave them a 15th-minute lead against an in-form Newcastle side who were looking for a fifth successive win.

And Johnson made it a memorable day for the Rams on Tyneside with a second 10 minutes later, following good link-up play from captain Emily Jeffery and Jenni Anslow.

The same player could have had a hat-trick minutes later but she volleyed wide with the goal gaping.

"Melissa has done really well since coming into the side," said Hall.

"She should have scored a third goal and it would have been game over.

"But, if I'm being honest, a point was probably a fair result overall."

Derby's Reserves took three points from their game against Birmingham City – the first time that they have recorded back-to-back wins this season.

Lucy Antcliffe scored from 30 yards early in the first half and the Rams added a second when Antcliffe's corner was headed on by Chloe Young to the unmarked Katie Duggins in the area.

There was a good result for Derby's Under-12s, who beat Pegasus 2-1 in the Notts Girls League.

Orianne Thorley gave them the lead but Pegasus drew level two minutes later.

Thorley wrapped up the points with her second.

Derby County's Black team nicked the points from their Notts Girls League game against Derby County Whites.

They took a 2-0 lead before Amy Sims' second half strike reduced the deficit.

The Rams' Under-10s were beaten 2-1 by Wollaton Hall in the Notts Girls League.