Two of the teams who expect to be in the mix at the end of the season battled out an entertaining goalless draw at Derby's Mickleover ground. With play going first one way, then the other, Derby produced the first opening in the fifth minute only for Wolves keeper Naomi Bruton to gather the ball well. Wolves' wingers Jenni Anslow and Rebecca Large were both causing problems for the Derby defence, and striker Sophie Richards, fresh from her attendance at an England Under-17 training camp, led the line impressively. Wolves came close in the 23rd minute from a Kirstie Bavington corner, which Anna Perks headed just wide, before two minutes later Derby themselves won a flag kick, Bruton again claiming well. On 26 minutes Richards crossed the ball in for Hayley Packer to head just wide, before Derby shot over the bar. Wolves came close again on 34 minutes as Sarah Williams slid a ball through for Large, but her shot was wide of the target. As Derby caught Wolves on the break, last defender Perks made a great tackle to deny the home side a shooting opportunity. Wolves finished the half with Richards getting on the end of a Perks free kick inside the area only for the Derby keeper to make the save. Derby started the second half well, but the Wolves' defence dealt well with an early free kick and corner. In the 51st minute Wolves caught Derby on the break and Anslow got to the byline and sent the ball skimming across the goalmouth, but neither Richards or Packer were able to get on the end of it in what probably amounted to the visitors' best chance of the game. Although Wolves' manager Dave Ball was forced to make three changes in the second half through injury, the young substitutes acquitted themselves well, with Natalie Widdal making some excellent clearances and Natalie Morris battling hard in midfield. With just two minutes remaining, Anslow came off worse in a tackle and had to be stretchered off, leaving Wolves to finish the game with 10 players. Derby tried to take advantage, but Wolves' defence held firm to take a well-earned point. Ball reflected: "I thought we did enough to deserve the win, and I'm pleased with the way the players battled to the end. We've now got a tough home game against Copsewood Coventry next Sunday, but I know the girls will be up for it." The game will be played on Sunday, March 8, at Goodrich Sports Ground, Stafford Roadin Fordhouses, Wolverhampton, with a 2.30pm kick-off. * WOLVES Women's Reserves won 3-2 at Radcliffe Olympic thanks to two goals from Chevette Mais and a third from Mel Hughes...SUPL: | 
