But within minutes they were a goal down, and for all the opportunities Lennie Beacham and Sally Spencer carved out for the forwards, Matlock couldn’t convert and conceded another goal before the break.

Strong words from captain Nic Martin sparked Matlock to regain their fighting spirit, with Sarah Archer going close with a diving effort.

A solo effort by Chloe Maynard then saw her dribble round the grounded Olton defenders before sweetly slotting home past the advancing goalkeeper, and a comeback was on.

Hungry for the equaliser, Matlock piled on the pressure, forcing numerous penalty corners, one of which Ginge Honeyman deflected past the outstretched keeper. With the score at 2-2 Matlock kept advancing looking for the winner, with Fallon Harrison denying Olton at the other end.

But with six minutes remaining Olton slotted home a scrappy winner to seal victory and all three points.

Matlock seconds knew they were in for a tough game at Belper, but with coach Jon Barry's offer of an 'open' bar they were determined to give it their all. Marie Cowie and Lottie Riddle worked tirelessly in midfield and excellent defending from Rachel Moor saw Matlock holding Belper at half time.

But Belper did take the lead after the break, and despite excellent runs and super skills from Vicky Thompson and Sarah Joyce Matlock couldn't manage an equaliser.

Matlock thirds struggled to replicate their recent form in the first half against Ashbourne seconds, and despite winning a number of penalty corners Matlock were unable to open the scoring.

But a transformed side emerged for the second period and Ash Butterworth fired home twice from penalty corners, with Julia Bould for a 3-0 win.

Matlock fourths started their game at Burton by pressing the hosts back into their own half and creating a number of goal scoring opportunities.

Good running in midfield from Katy Allen and Katy Price meant that Matlock sustained their pressure on the home side and the first goal came part way through the first half with Cath Jefferies collecting a rebound from top D and crossing to Frankie Price, who neatly slotted the ball away.

After the restart Matlock continued to rally and fine skills from Grace Day, Dani Bacon and Jenny O’Reilly on the half way line meant that Burton struggled to penetrate the defence and Matlock pressed forwards yet again linking together to allow Frankie Price to create a second goal with Bod Brassington finding the back of the net. Brassington added another to seal another 3-0 success.

A young and inexperienced Matlock fifths found themselves in a game of two halves at home to Ashbourne thirds.

The visitors were 3-0 up at half time, but that didn’t tell the story of excellent keeping by Meg Davis and defending by Gaye Smedley, Barbara Davenport, Amanda Mease, Beth Willis and Gemma Wilson.