Derby County Community Trust's Football and Education teams were in EFL CEFA Cup action yesterday, with our Women’s Cup winners coming from two goals down to begin their title defence with a 5-2 victory at Friesland School.

Taking on Manchester City in the opening group game of this season’s competition, the girls found themselves 2-0 down within the first twenty-five minutes. However a goal for the Rams just before half time was enough to spark a second half comeback.

The Rams pulled level just two minutes into the second half and went onto score three further goals in a clinical ten-minute spell to ensure a winning start to this season's competition.

Sean Wilson, Assistant Team Coach, praised the spirit of his sides second half come back.

“We had the quality within the squad to come back and win the game, I thought both of City’s goals were against the run of play and the way we played in the first half didn’t really reflect the score at the break.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how the girls progress in the competition, they were fantastic throughout in their units, we didn’t have an out and out goalkeeper today so one of the girls stepped in and was fantastic in the second half – I thought they were excellent in playing out from the back.”

Elsewhere in the Men’s competition it was a frustrating afternoon, a trip to Birmingham City in Central Group B resulted in a 4-0 loss whilst it was a closer game in Group C, as the Rams suffered a narrow defeat against Aston Villa losing 3-2, whilst in Group E Mansfield Town were 3-1 victors over the Rams.

Arguably the game of the day was in Northern Group H with a home fixture against Lincoln City which saw 11 goals scored, the Rams beaten 6-5 by Lincoln City.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH

Congratulations to Millie, who was chosen as player of the match in the Girls' 5-2 victory over Manchester City. The defender played a critical role in the Rams' come back, demonstrating solid leadership towards her younger team mates and making several dominating runs which created a number of openings.

Match Report compiled by Joel Kilford, Education Champion

Football and Education