Belper 0 - Matlock 3
Scorers:
Belper Ladies not only lost their 1st home game of the season but also went down to local rivals Matlock for the second time this campaign.
Matlock came out the stronger side and their determination was shown in both of their 1st half goals.
The first goal came from a counter attack down the right. The first-time cross from the right-hand side was well met by a neat deflection at the front post that found the bottom corner.
The second goal came from another Belper turnover on the opposite side of the field and again the cross was met by another late lead and deflection from a Matlock striker and the away team went 2-0 up inside the first 20 minutes.
After the 2nd goal, The Nailers began to get into the game and created a great chance to equalise. Lizzie Lamb's run down the right found Sally Walton on the baseline and her cross created a goalmouth scrabble with the ball ending up shooting out the opposite side of the circle, to the dismay of the home supporters.
The away side went into the break with a well deserved 2 goal cushion and they added to that lead mid-way through the second half. After being awarded a controversial penalty corner, Matlock took full advantage and scored from a far post deflection.
Unfortunately, the home side never really threatened the Matlock goal and weren't able to create enough chances to get back into the game. The Nailers will be hoping for an improved performance this weekend against Leicester, a team they beat convincingly earlier in the season.
Wayne Madsen