United had a positive start to the match and controlled the early possession while also creating a number of shooting opportunities. United seemed to have a firm hold on the match during the opening 20 minutes but lacked the quality to finish in the final third. Derby reacted well to the pressure with attempts to play the ball long and wide as a way of nullifying the attacking intent. The hosts resolute defending paid dividends as they broke the shackles and burst forward to take a 1-0 lead on the stroke of half-time. 

The United girls took to the pitch for the second half with their confidence still intact and reacted by pushing forward for an equaliser. The attacking players looked to have started the half with an increased level of sharpness that forced Derby to concede a penalty  as United whipped a  cross into the box. United midfielder Charlton stepped up and coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to open her account and score United’s first league goal of the season. The girls’ continued to create scoring chances and it looked like it was only a matter of time before they took the lead. 

Loukes, Massey and Tan kept the balling going forward with Goodwin, Ashworth-Clifford, Charlton and Fisher mounting continual pressure on Derby. United left it late and with only four minutes remaining Ramsey struck a superb cross field ball that was delicately headed on by Ashworth-Clifford and into the path of Fisher. The United forward calmly placed the ball in the back of the net to overturn the scoreline and give United their first three points of the season.

Starting Eleven for United; Ramsey (GK) Loukes, Fletcher (C), Wilson, Tomic, Ashworth-Clifford, Massey, Rathburn, Goodwin, Baptista, Charlton.