Lightning started brightly, pressing high and moving the ball with confidence.
Their early dominance saw them spend long periods in the attacking third, with Becky Hogg going close on more than one occasion as the hosts created chances and looked the more dangerous side before the break.
Speaking after the game, Hogg reflected on the performance:
“It’s frustrating to come away from a game and not get three points, especially when I think we were on top in the first half. Our quality shone through and we created chances.”
The match shifted after half-time when Derby took the lead from a set piece. Lightning continued to push forward, but the rhythm of the game changed as the contest became more open.
“In the second half, it became a bit transitional and a bit frantic. I think we lost our composure, which arguably led to the loss,” Hogg added.
"We need to be more clinical and start picking up those points.”
Hewitt continued to provide an outlet as Lightning pushed for an equaliser, with the introductions of Steggles and Ring adding greater presence in the final third.
Ring went closest late on, dragging a shot wide from the edge of the area, before a final opening in stoppage time saw Collyer drive into the box after some neat link-up play, only for Derby to scramble the danger clear.
The match also marked a milestone for Zynia Delglyn, who made her 50th appearance for the club.
“A frustrating game, but an honour to get 50 appearances for the club,” she said.
Despite the result, Lightning will take positives from their first-half display and will be aiming to turn promising performances into points in the weeks ahead.