However, Bedford were equally determined to disrupt that prospect.

Matlock started well and dominated the first half.

They were unlucky not to score on a number of occasions and would later regret not taking the opportunities.

However, a well-taken goal from captain Nic Martin put the away team on the front foot at half time.

The second half was a different matter. Bedford came out fighting and a goal gave them the momentum they were looking for.

They continued to pressure Matlock and were rewarded with a second goal.

Matlock, meanwhile, seemed to lose their structure and shape and never really got back into the game. They had chances to equalise from a number of penalty corners, but they failed to find the net.

It was a disappointing second half performance from a lacklustre Matlock, who didn't really deserve to unwrap a first place this Christmas.

Sadly, no reports from the victorious seconds and thirds.

Matlock fourths began hesitantly in their local derby with Belper fourths and much of the play initially was in midfield.

As both teams settled, there was more end to end play, with Belper breaking first and scoring as a result of Matlock’s lack of marking.

Determined not to make the same mistake again, the visitors tightened up the marking, upped the ball pace and communication and Bod Brassington equalised with a great shot fired in from top D. With renewed confidence, the team went from strength to strength with midfielders Jenny O’Reilly and Sarah Wain making some good driving runs, and defender Danni Bacon taking on a wing back role with some fine runs up into midfield.

A goalmouth scramble before half time saw a second goal for Brassington.

After the break, Belper worked hard to gain penalty corners but to no avail and before long it was Matlock’s Brassington who struck again to seal a hat-trick and give the Matlock a good win to take the three points.

Despite losing heavily – as did the fifths – to Findern this week the sixths fulfilled their usual task of introducing new, young players to the adult teams.

Rosie Dixey was not at all fazed by the age and experience range of her new team-mates, or the opposition, and she tackled and evaded being tackled with confidence. Other young defenders like Mary Repton and Susanna Doxey are now practically 'old' hands at playing with and against the senior end, and their blocking and clearances are very positive.

At the front Kerry Hallam's young legs outrun the best of them, and man-of-the-match Nina Smedley attacked repeatedly, under mum Gaye's watchful eye at the back.