A record-breaking attendance and a Charlotte Greengrass double gave Nottingham Forest Women a memorable victory in the East Midlands derby.
A year on and a historic 5,082 fans in attendance, Forest dispelled their demons from last October’s fixture with Derby at The City Ground with a thumping win against The Rams.
With a foothold in the game from the first to the final whistle, Andy Cook’s side found their clinical edge in the second half.
An onslaught of crosses from the right side into the Derby penalty area boasted its rewards moments into the second period with a well-worked move. Hayley James’ sprint into space found her with time to see Greengrass’ run into the area, who met a low cross to assuredly place into the top left-hand corner from close range.
Confidence grew on the back of an uplifted home crowd and deserved lead.
As more Forest bodies started to advance forwards, more space began to appear for those in red. Niamh Reynolds continued run through the heart of the midfield found her played through on goal before she calmly placed the ball into the bottom right corner.
After a first half where the chances failed to fall into place, a change in fortunes after the interval had opened the home side up to an enjoyable afternoon.
Soon after, Greengrass doubled her tally, poking home after forcing Derby to fumble their clearance.
As the match settled into a more comfortable rhythm, Derby sneaked a consolation via a header from a free kick.
Forest’s overall dominance, however, had been demonstrated from the off, with early chances from Mai Moncaster and the ever-present energy from Sophie Domingo a persistent strain on Derby’s backline.
In what will perhaps feel the most satisfying of wins so far, Cook’s side continue their positive start to the season in impressive fashion.
