Derby County Women U21s secured a place in the Women’s National League Reserve Cup Final on Sunday following a 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town U21s.

The side travelled to Ipswich hoping to reach the final of the national competition after a good cup run brought them to this stage. The young Ewes' started well and took an early lead from an Ella Sharp strike from the edge of the box. The lead was quickly doubled when Mia Wheeler was fouled to earn a penalty which she then calmly slotted away.

Derby dominated for the next 20 minutes with a few chances firing just wide of the Ipswich goal. The 2 goal lead then became 3 when a well worked corner routine found the head of Amy Cotton whose header landed in the far corner of the goal.

The Ewes were confident and played some excellent football, however, as expected Ipswich fought back and had a couple of close chances just before the break. A looping header was finely saved by Leilani Lovell in the Derby goal, followed by a penalty save to maintain the 3-0 lead going into the break.

Ipswich came out fighting in the second half but the Rams held form for 20 minutes until a fine cut back found the Ipswich striker in the box to make it 3-1. In the final minutes of the game, an Ipswich shot found the hand of one of the Ewes defenders to give Ipswich a second penalty. This time the penalty was put away to pull the score back to 3-2 but the young Ewes' held out to win the game and progress to the final.

AFC Bournemouth await the U21s in the final. Date and venue to be confirmed.

You can read more about the Female Talent Pathway here. 

The U21s are sponsored by Rolls Royce Unite the Union.