The Rams come out on top at City Ground following a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest Women's.
The fixture saw the Rams get revenge on the previous derby that ended 2-1, and revenge they got, in style.
Following goals from Elliot Joyce off of a goalkeeping error and a freekick that caught revenge from Ellie Gilliatt, the Rams headed into halftime with a comfortable lead.
The Reds had a significant chance of their own midway through the first half as Axton stepped up to a penalty won through a good run at the defence from fellow teammate Thomas.
However, unlike Gilliatt and Joyce, The Reds could not convert from their chance('s) due to a piece of brilliancy from goalkeeper Clarke.
The second half was uneventful, mainly due to the Rams' defensive displays and slightly due to a lack of creativity through spells from the Reds.
Overall the game was a vital win for Derby, as they carry on their excellent form in recent fixtures. And move over their rivals with a game in hand.
For Nottingham Forest, their impressive unbeaten streak slashed and a drop to 4th in the league table.
They'll be hoping for a better performance in their next game against West Bromwich Albion.
Derby will next take on Loughborough Lightning in a match they should be winning on paper; however, anything can happen in football, as proven tonight.
during a post-match interview, manager Sam Griffiths spoke on the Gilliatt Freekick:
"I think going in one-neil is nice, but going in two is obviously even better.
going in at halftime it proper changes your team talk."
Griffiths also spoke upon how her lasses will prepare for their upcoming fixture:
"The same as we do all games, to be honest, and I'll be honest, our approach to this game was no different.
They're quite a grounded group
We talked all week about playing the game and not the occasion.
And now it's just about planning and prepping for the next game.
Priority this week will be getting players recovered and rested really for Thursday."
Griffiths has had nothing but praise for her side and with good merit, too, as they face off the challenge of the club's administration during the season.
Can Derby continue on their current form and get themselves in a steady place to compete for promotion?
More to come on Thursday.
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