Derby County Women 4-5 Stockport County Women: Nine-Goal Thriller Ends in Away Win

Stockport County Women edged a remarkable nine-goal contest at Derby County Women, winning 5-4 in the English FA Women’s League Cup on 27 September 2026. The match swung one way and then the other, with Stockport’s clinical finishing ultimately proving the difference in a breathless encounter.

Derby County Women contributed heavily to a memorable cup tie, fighting back on multiple occasions, but they could not find a late equaliser after conceding a fifth goal.

Match Overview

The game began at a frantic pace, with both teams committed to attacking football. Stockport struck early, but Derby responded almost immediately. From there, the pattern was set: end-to-end moves, turnovers in midfield, and plenty of space for forwards to run into.

Stockport County Women were the more ruthless side in front of goal. Every time Derby clawed their way back into the match, Stockport found another answer, often exploiting Derby’s high defensive line with quick vertical passes.

Key Moments

• 3rd minute: Stockport County Women took an early lead, pressing Derby’s defence and finishing from close range for 0-1.
• 11th minute: Derby County Women levelled. A quick counter down the right ended with a composed finish across the goalkeeper for 1-1.
• 19th minute: Stockport restored their advantage with a well-placed shot from the edge of the area, making it 1-2.
• 28th minute: Derby equalised again. A corner was only half-cleared, and the loose ball was drilled home through a crowded box for 2-2.
• 41st minute: Stockport scored their third just before the break, finishing off a swift move through the middle for 2-3.
• 52nd minute: Derby made it 3-3 with a header from a deep cross, setting up a tense final half-hour.
• 64th minute: Stockport’s winger restored the lead with a low strike at the near post for 3-4.
• 77th minute: Stockport’s striker completed her hat-trick, converting a penalty after a foul in the box for 3-5.
• 88th minute: Derby pulled one back with a powerful effort from just inside the area, but they could not find a fourth equaliser.

Tactical Story

Both sides played with high lines and committed numbers forward, which made the match a nightmare for defenders. Derby County Women tried to build through midfield, but Stockport’s pressing forced errors and created scoring chances from turnovers. Stockport’s direct play into the channels repeatedly caught Derby’s back line square.

Derby’s attacking rotations caused problems of their own, especially when their full-backs advanced. However, the space left behind them was ruthlessly exploited. In a game of fine margins, Stockport’s finishing in the final third was the decisive factor.

Standout Players

Stockport County Women’s centre-forward was the outstanding individual, scoring a hat-trick and leading the line with strength and intelligence. Their winger also caused constant problems with direct running and delivered the fourth goal. In midfield, Stockport’s captain kept the team calm during Derby’s comebacks and set the tempo for counter-attacks.

For Derby County Women, the attacking midfielder was creative throughout, while the centre-forward scored a late goal and won several duels. The home goalkeeper made important saves but was left exposed by the open nature of the game.

What It Means

Stockport County Women take a huge three points and a morale-boosting away win in the English FA Women’s League Cup. Derby County Women, despite the defeat, showed real character to score four times and will feel they are not far away from turning such performances into points.

Full-time score: Derby County Women 4-5 Stockport County Women.