The start of a new era, 8 of our regular first team squad off to Uni' and our first season in the Derby Ladies League.

We welcomed Dronfield Town to our home ground for the first time and started the game with 2 girls making their league debuts, Xenia & Grace.

Woodlands started well and were unlucky when Nicci scored after a flowing move on 8 minutes, only to be denied by the linesmans flag.

Woodlands did finally take the lead on 28 minutes when Mel, who had already been denied twice by Dronfield's keeper, managed to escape her marker and run on to Fran's well placed throughball and this time fire past the advancing goalie.

Woodlands had a lot of possesion but were struggling to break through a resolute and well organised Dronfield backline. When Dronfield did venture forward, Woodlands defensive trio of Xenia, Betty & Chloe were quick to shut them down and Sophie was kept pretty quiet in the Woodlands goal in the first half.

The second goal for Woodlands again scored by Mel on 58 minutes, this time cutting in from the left and drilling an unstoppable shot into the back of the net, finally broke Dronfield's resistance.

Mel scored her hat trick on 67 minutes bravely riding 2 challenges after being put through by Nia before finding a finish just inside the near post. Nicci was then denied by an excellent save from the Dronfield keeper and Shannon went close with a curling shot that just didn't come back far enough.

Woodlands scored again on 78 minutes, Hayley's run and cross from the right giving Fran the simplist of chances from just 6 yards out..

Dronfield scored an excellent consolation goal late on. Jane B. firing in a left foot drive from outside the box, that left Sophie with no chance.

Xenia nearly topped off an excellent debut with a goal, her long distance effort just going wide as it bounced over the Dronfield keeper. Grace can also be pleased with her debut, giving the team balace with an energetic non stop performance down the left hand side of midfield.   

Good Start!.