It was the visitors who started the stronger, though, with some useful attacking play down the left hand flank that caused the Derwent defence some problems.

But eventually, Derwent, depleted by injuries and work commitments, started to find their game and moved the ball around well, getting their reward after 15 minutes when James Stedman worked his way into the area and fired a stinging shot into the bottom right hand corner, leaving the Lions keeper with no chance.

Ash Wheldon could have doubled Derwent’s lead but his deflected shot just went wide of the post and it was soon after that that Northampton equalised.

Captain Adam Orduna just let the ball slip under his stick in front of a Northampton striker who calmly made it 1-1.

But Derwent were not down for long and following good work down the right from Matt Bacon and James Stedman it was James Bolus who made it 2-1 with a shot which just bobbled into the left hand corner of the goal with the visiting keeper stretching.

The second half saw Northampton pile on the pressure, but Derwent stood strong at Fortress Wirksworth and some great defending from Steve Langrick and Adam Orduna kept Derwent in the lead.

Keeper Jamie Carlin also pulled off some fine saves in the Derwent goal, while at the other end Stedman and Wheldon would have extended their lead but for some equally good stops from the Northampton keeper.

Derwent's second string were unfortunate to leave Northampton with nothing to show for their efforts, despite playing their part in an open and entertaining game.

Playing against a skilful and quick side, the game had barely started when Derwent were forced into a major re-organisation after Steven Williams took a ball to the head from close range, and was unable to continue.

The change in line up had an effect on Derwent as they were unable to put all of the pre-season practice and plans into action.

Despite this, Derwent fought a valiant rear guard action, and as the game wore on, they began to be more than a match for their hosts.

It was during another strong period of play that Derwent were hit on the counter attack, and despite the heroics of man of the match Gary Shardlow in the Derwent goal, Northampton made the crucial breakthrough.

Derwent thirds started with an experienced side, with Tony Goulding and Henry Wallis ruling the middle of the park.

Opponents Melton had their fair share of chances to keep Tom Hodgetts busy at the other end, however, and thought they had drawn first blood from a penalty corner only for it to be disallowed.

Injuries from the first half forced changes for the second and Derwent started with a frontline boasting a combined age of under 30. Despite this relative inexperience Derwent pushed onward and some clever passing and running from James Beresford and Chris Moore very nearly led to a debut league goal for Marcus Fraser.