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Match Previews

Match Preview: Cambridge United vs Derby County

FA Women's National League Plate Final

17 April 2024

Cambridge United Women look to cap off a historic FA Women's National League Plate run in their final contest against Derby County this Sunday...

Match Details

This year's FA WNL Plate final fixture will be held at Broadhurst Park, home of FC United of Manchester, on Sunday 21 April at 2pm.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate on matchday and it would be fantastic to see as many U's supporters as possible at the game to support the girls for this momentous occasion. Find directions to the venue below:

Plate Run

After taking a first round loss to divisional opponents Norwich City in the FA WNL Cup match on 27 August 2023, the U's were entered into the secondary FA WNL Plate competition where they first faced off against London Actonians on away soil. This time the U's returned home with something to show for it after a 2-1 victory thanks to the successful efforts from Rachel Kosky and Alysha Stojko-Down.

The following round saw the U’s return to St Neots Town FC where they faced Keynsham Town, once again claiming another 2-1 victory over the visitors, this time with Ruth Fox and Bella Simmons scoring the two goals for the U’s.

Once again on the road, the U’s faced Maidenhead United in the Quarter-Finals, and claimed a 1-0 victory after a tight fought battle against the home team, coming down to a forced penalty, with Stojko-Down securing the ticket to the Semi-Final.

The U's drew a fortunate home fixture in the Semi-Final, where they faced Barnsley Women FC - a fellow Division One side from the Northern region. An organised effort from the U's, elevated by a high-spirited crowd took us to 3-1 with 10 minutes to play. A late goal from a corner for the visitors led to a glimmer of hope as they brought it back to 3-2.

However Majoram's U's remained composed and saw out the clock to a 3-2 victory. The U's had made history in reaching the Semi-Final but went one better to qualify for the FA WNL Plate Final.

Recent Performances

Cambridge enter the final coming off a convincing 3-1 victory in the local derby against Cambridge City. All the goals came from different feet. Bella Simmons secured the first, Harley-Jean Simpson secured the second goal to make it a memorable birthdaym for herself, and the final goal coming from Ruth Fox. The recent win gives the U's confidence in their goal-scoring ability heading into the final this Sunday.

The week prior, the U's faced Norwich City in a rescheduled fixture after an injury postponement in the intended fixture back in January. This time United took to the Cledara Abbey Stadium for the second time in the 2023/24 season, having first faced AFC Wimbledon in September 2023. The U's took another loss to Norwich, who are second in the table, however spirits were high in front of a record attendance for Cambridge United Women of 932.

Cambridge United: L-D-L-L-W

Derby County: D-L-W-D-L

Quick Quotes

Club Captain, Gisella Otten spoke to the FA ahead of this weekend's Final:

"We are the underdog, we know they play the division above us but it’s not like we don’t have a chance. I think we can definitely compete with them. These divisions are quite close, we really think we can give them a good game.

“A final is 90 minutes and anything can happen, but it’s not just about winning, it’s about how we treat each other and the respect. It’s also a competitive lesson to get better and get some silverware now.

“I’ve seen that progress over four years I've been here, I’m getting older so I’ve not got many years left in me so it would be great to go and do it now.”

Match Reports

Match Report Cambridge United Women vs Derby County - FA WNL Plate Final

Cambridge United Women suffer a loss but make history in their first ever national cup final.

21 April 2024

Cambridge United Women fell short in the FA Women’s National League Plate Final vs a strong Derby County team.

The U’s were playing in the first national cup final in their history, having defeated Barnsley women 3-2 in the semi-final. The location for the game was Broadhurst Park, home of FC United of Manchester.

Cambridge were positive from the off, compact in the middle and settling into the game. It was Derby who made the faster start, carving out some half chances that were defended well by the U’s back line.

Both sides were looking to find space and patiently building play in the hope of creating opportunities in the first 25 minutes.

It was Derby however who would make the breakthrough with 30 minutes gone. Lauren Rouse judged to have handled the ball while on the floor resulting in a penalty, Webb unfortunately diving the opposite way to Eleanor Ashton’s strike.

The U’s would come close from a corner, Marden’s cross nearly beating the keeper a the far post and Ruth Fox’s long range bullet narrowly the wrong side of the post.

Added time in the first half came and Derby made it 2-0 when the ball rebounded to their top scorer Amy Sims 12 yards out.

The U’s came out in the second half fighting, creating more space for each other and keeping Derby quiet. Abbie Jackson went close getting on the end of a Cheale-Ferris free kick and multiple Marden corners had to be tipped by the keeper.

Manager Darren would make his first change with 50 minutes gone, Simmons replaced by Harley-Jean Simpson in attack. Derby had also made some substitutions due to injury prior to this. Unfortunately Simpson would have to be replaced herself due to a head injury with a little under 10 minutes to go, club captain Gisela Otten coming on for the final push.

Derby did fight regain control of the ball midway through the half and turned that into a third goal when Joyce’s long range effort caught Webb off her line to make it 3-0 with little time remaining.

Despite the loss Darren Marjoram was full of praise for his team and the fight they showed not just in the final, but across the whole season. Multiple member of the Derby contingent were quick to acknowledge the positive manner in which the U’s carried themselves on the day, something they should all be proud of.

The U’s now turn their attention back to the league, with 2 games remaining and returning to St Neots on Sunday 28^th April to welcome Ashford Town.

Lineups:

Cambridge United: Webb (GK), Rouse, Kosky, Stojko-Down, Fox, Marden (Gillies 87’), Edgar, Jackson, Cobb, Cheale-Ferris, Simmons (Simpson 50’ - Otten 85')

Unused Subs: Marjoram

Derby County: Morgan (GK), Sims, Steggles, Jackson (Shepherd 92'), Wilson, Joyce, Ward, Ashton (Sheridan 76'), Jenkins, Rai (Meadows 67'), May (Rhodes-Andrews 44')

Unused Subs: Draper