Halifax earned a point away at Derby after fighting back from a goal down in a very physical game.

By Jack Snaith

Halifax FC Women battled hard for a well earned point in an intense game on Sunday, with an equalising goal by Wilson. 

The first 35 minutes of the game saw plenty of action and quality from both teams. Halifax pushed on early into the game, with Drew Greene forcing a save from the Derby keeper. Derby started to impose themselves though as the Halifax defenders were called upon and defended brilliantly to keep Derby out. Club captain, Shauna Legge starred with some brilliant defending, putting her body on the line for her team.

Right at the end of the first half, Kemp and Legge made two crucial blocks to deny Derby a golden chance to go ahead, a huge moment in the game as the half time whistle blew. 

The first half had been very cagey, with chances at both ends of the pitch as well as defensive brilliance from the Halifax back four.

The second half came and Derby had controlled the game early on, with a goal in the 47th minute that was disallowed for offside. However, Derby’s opener came only minutes later, when in the 50th minute, Rebecca May smashed the ball in with a powerful left footed strike.

Halifax responded positively, pushing forward to find the equaliser.

The second half saw a lot of attrition, with players from both sides going down injured and needing to be substituted off. Ellie White was subbed off for Olivia Wilson after receiving some treatment. 

Towards the last ten minutes of the game, Halifax were in control of the game and searching for an equaliser, with shots from Boydell and Darcie Greene being an indication of Halifax’s efforts. 

Halifax’s efforts were rewarded, with a 90th minute equaliser from Olivia Wilson who had only been subbed on 13 minutes before. She charged into the box from the left wing onto her right foot, where she finished calmly into the bottom right corner, much to the elation of the Halifax players and dugout. 

Halifax had another huge opportunity to find a winner, with Georgia Stevens getting past the keeper, but her touch was just slightly too heavy which allowed a Derby defender to make a last ditch tackle.

The end of the second half came after a huge chunk of added time, bringing an end to an incredibly physical battle. The result is huge for Halifax, earning a point away from home despite being a goal down early into the second half.

Full Time: Derby County 1 – 1 Halifax FC Women

Manager, Rob Mitchell gave his thoughts on the game: 

“She (Olivia Wilson) managed to maraud her way into the box and then a neat and tidy finish”.

“I’m so proud of them, I think a point is a fair result”.

Next up: Halifax will play Hull City away in the Women’s FA Cup. The game will be played at 1pm on 12/11/23 at the Marsh Lane stadium (Barton Town FC).

 (Follow @HalifaxFCWomen on Twitter/X for updates).