Camden Town’s Jordyn Galway driving forward against Islington Borough [Martin Suker Photography]

THE derby delight belonged to Camden Town WFC on Sunday as they beat neighbouring rivals Islington Borough to maintain their unbeaten start to the season in the Premier Division of the Greater London Women’s League.

A strong crowd of 82 supporters gathered at the Maurice Rebak Stadium in North Finchley to witness a fiercely contested clash between two sides eager to take home three massive points, and a lot of bragging rights.

Town started on the front foot and looked odds-on to take the lead midway through the first half after Maria Paz Vera was upended in the box. But Islington goalkeeper Jen Kelly rose to the occasion, diving low to deny Jordyn Galway from the spot.

The Camden players didn’t dwell, though, and found themselves in front going in at the break thanks to a neat finish from midfielder Maxine Borden, who coolly and calmly slotted the ball home from close range.

Such was the desire and determination of both sets of players that Borden’s goal was all that separated the two teams going into the final 10 minutes.

Forward Victory Edema finally settled matters late on with a clinical strike to put the game beyond Islington’s reach.

Basking in the glory of the 2-0 win, delighted Town chairman Richard Mahoney made it clear that Camden isn’t a club that’s about to rest on its laurels. He said: “I just couldn’t be prouder of this team and the way they’ve been performing this season. The players have shown incredible dedication and resilience.

Maria Paz Vera on the attack for Town in her side’s 2-0 derby victory [Martin Suker Photography]

“The staff and I are doing everything we can to maintain this unbeaten run. We’re working hard behind the scenes to keep the momentum going and to make sure we’re ready for each new challenge. It’s an exciting journey, and we’re determined to keep pushing forward.”

When Camden were promoted into the top-flight ahead of the 2022/23 season the ambition surrounding the club was just as laser focused, but it was clear that they were going to need time to find their feet.

Back then, their home game against Islington ended in a 5-0 defeat, and it was in fact Borough that were going for the title – ending a thrilling campaign just four points behind champions Actonians Reserves.

In the space of just two short years, however, Town are now the ones proving a formidable force. The win on Sunday saw Harry Sherman’s side remain the only undefeated team in the division, pulling them level on points with early leaders Hammersmith with a game in hand.

Challenging for the title is, of course, an exciting goal, but this Sunday they will be setting their sights on other silverware targets when they take on Richmond Park at Tolworth Centre Sports Ground in Surrey in the second round of the Capital Cup.

It promises to be an enthralling square-up, with Camden Town currently riding high in the Premier Division, while Richmond Park find themselves struggling a division above, in the London & South East Regional Women’s League.

“The team has shown incredible resilience and consistency so far this season,” said Town manager Sherman.

“The unbeaten run in the league speaks volumes about the hard work the players are putting in. A cup run is exciting for everyone at the club, it could be our chance to bring home a trophy and add a chapter to Camden Town’s story.”

Urging the players to “seize” the opportunity ahead of them, Mahoney added: “Seeing the way this team has performed is inspiring.

“A cup run is something that unites all the players, the staff, and the supporters. This is the type of opportunity we want to seize, and who knows, we might just go all the way.”

Islington Borough will also be in Capital Cup action this weekend as they travel to Hackney Women, while Camden & Islington “Candi” United host Leyton Orient.