City entertained their local rivals and gave a sparkling display along with some stunning goals to go top of the table.

Both teams started brightly, a fine move by City's Courtney Sweetman-Kirk found Zira Handley on the right but Natasha Meade's shot was straight at the keeper.

City's persistence paid off when fullback Suzy Eassom was fouled just outside the box and from a direct free kick Rachel Williams smashed home with a vicious shot from 30 yards.

Derby came back at City and they had to defend two successive corners but keeper Sophie Le Gros collected well. City's flank play of Meade and Handley were giving the Derby defence a torrid time. Eassom joined in the attack with a fine move as she hit a fine ball to Vicky Lines whose clever chipped shot hit the post.

The elusive Sweetman-Kirk put City two up as she picked the ball up in the centre circle with a clever run and hit a spectacular goal from 35 yards out beating the keeper near post top corner. The Derby keeper Amy Pearce was in for a rough time throughout the game.

The second period started a bit scrappy by both sides, but City got back on track with Leah Rawle - Williams and Lauren Impey steadying City with neat football and went 3-0 up with another terrific goal when Meade unleashed a great strike from 40 yards out.

City attacked again through the pacey Handley who got to the bye line to cross but Lines' header was pushed around for a corner by the keeper. Rawle took the flag kick and her in-swinging corner floated straight into the far corner of the net. City battled hard second half ensuring the home ground stayed impenetrable. Some great work in midfield played Meade in behind the full back after a well timed run and she slotted past the oncoming keeper. City sat tight and attacked on the break once more and a cross into the box saw Williams attack with a strong head, Derby keeper Pearce got something on it but Meade was on hand for the final touch to give City a resounding win. City had two youngsters playing their first full game for the 1^st team, both Harriet Crofts and Suzy Eassom showed they were up to the test. Player of the match was Rachel Williams.

Squad - Sophie Le Gros (C), Jade Radburn, Harriet Crofts, Leah Rawle, Suzy Eassom, Rachel Williams, Lauren Impey, Courtney Sweetman-Kirk, Zira Handley, Natasha Meade, Vicky Lines, Louise Ward.

Report By Rehanne Skinner