The much-anticipated debut of new signing Emily Heckler saw Guiseley Vixens left once again frustrated, as a goal in each half saw them lose 2-0 to Derby County and leave them still in search of a first league win.
The goals, scored by Shannon Weston and Lauren Creswell, were worlds apart in terms of quality, with Weston’s opener coming from an intended cross that managed to find a way in, before Creswell doubled Guiseley’s deficit with an unstoppable second-half free-kick.
However, clear-cut chances were few and far between in an encounter the Vixens manager Glen Preston described as a “scrappy” affair, with Derby’s 13th minute opener being the first time either ‘Keeper was called into action.
The Vixens did have a strong chance to equalise ten minutes later when Natalie Brace’s cross was inches away from finding Heckler free in the box but just evaded the dangerous debutant.
Guiseley also suffered a slight set-back on 40 minutes when Monica Estere was forced off, having to be replaced by Ellie Olds.
The second-half did see much more attacking intent from Guiseley, with much of the action played inside the Derby half, however, Guiseley’s only real chances came through efforts from outside the box that went straight from the ‘keeper.
And despite the home side’s dominance, it was Derby who dealt the next blow when a free-kick directly on the edge of the box was smashed in by Cresswell to double Derby’s lead.
Guiseley did have one chance to possibly sneak back into the game when a corner from O’Hara found Heckler, but she could only fire over as the game soon fizzled out into another Vixens loss.
“I know her (Cresswell),” said debutant Heckler, “she’s got a great left foot and I knew she was going for the shot but there’s nothing the ‘keeper could have done and she’s whipped it in with pace, so the difference there has just been one set piece and one punt of a ball.”
However, despite the disappointing result, Heckler did show some optimism for her next few games in a Vixens shirt.
“It’s been a good debut actually,” said Heckler, “I know a lot of the girls haven’t played in a long time so sharpness has been a big difference today. But as for next time when you have a game under your belt it’s much different so I’m looking forward to actually getting through on goal, so let’s start getting some goals in.”
Words: Connor Craig-Jackson
