Following defeats in the Final in 2019 and 2023, Emma Varnam's side were looking to make it third time lucky but it was Long Eaton who looked more comfortable in the early stages with the Nailers looking to shake off some early nerves.

Ella Boden's free-kick on 12 minutes was Belper's first sight of goal but it cleared the crossbar, as did Sophie Spray's long range effort at the other end five minutes later.

Belper were awarded another free-kick in the 23rd minute, this time Shannon Worrall stepped up but again Carly Morley was able to watch it go over the bar.

By this point, they had started to settle but suffered a scare on 25 minutes when Jasmine Hughes played in Rona Fisher and only a last ditch tackle from Shania Allison prevented a certain goal.

Belper took the lead in the 27th minute. After uncertainty in the Long Eaton defence, Evie Jowett charged the ball down and saw it loop into the air. She followed it towards goal for a tap-in to open the scoring.

This was the start of a crazy few minutes as Long Eaton levelled within five minutes. Hughes collected the ball on the edge of the box and produced a great effort which evaded Maggie Buxton and went in off the post.

Almost straight from the restart, the Nailers went back ahead. A corner from Boden was spilled at the near post, allowing Allison to nudge the ball over the line.

Jowett was played through on 35 minutes but Morley was out early to block then within seconds Jowett tried her luck from range but it was just wide.

A couple of minutes into the second half, Alice Faulding saw her effort saved then in the 52nd minute Faulding fed Boden who produced a smart save from Morley.

The same two players combined on 56 minutes, this time Boden's effort looping up in the air and landing in the net behind the unfortunate Long Eaton goalkeeper.

The 61st minute saw the tie effectively sealed. Lauren Haslam's pinpoint through ball picked out Jowett who supplied the finish.

The final goal came on 73 minutes. Jowett got on the end of a long ball and finished coolly once more to complete her hat trick and claim an undisputed Player of the Match award.

With 11 minutes remaining, Hughes forced Buxton into a good save but the final chance of the match went to Phallon Symcox; Morley was equal to her effort.

So Belper Town Ladies collect the Derbyshire Women's Plate for the 2025/26 season, in front of a healthy crowd on a beautiful day at Ilkeston Town FC's New Manor Ground.

With a highest ever league finish already secured, there is a real feel-good factor around the club. The season concludes on 26th April when Lincoln United Development visit the Raygar Stadium.

Belper Town: Buxton, Pickard (C) (Smithurst 83), Claxton, Allison, Cowen (Longdon 46), Smithurst (Bestwick 74), Boden (Froggatt 69), Bestwick (Symcox 19 (Worrall 83)), Worrall (Haslam 46), Jowett (Faulding 78), Faulding (White 69)

Long Eaton United Development: Morley, Ward, Stevenson, Fletcher, Fisher, Spray (C), Learoyd, McDonald, Warner, Hughes, Smith.
Subs: Preddie, Deeming, Dunsworth, Holt, Oakes

Referee: Evie Winfield
Assistant Referees: Evie Ellard & Olivia Steele
Fourth Official: Lauren Whiteman

Attendance: 152