After a resounding win last week, the Pride were aiming to carry on where they left off and they made a very quick start against Matlock Town at Causeway Lane yesterday, with two goals in the opening seven minutes.

The opener was scored by Daisy Bowen after 6 minutes and a minute later Otty Baker’s shot went in off the crossbar and post to make it 2-0. Both goals came from assists by Tash Collyer. It was Baker’s first goal since January 2020 and a reward for a good start to the season.

There were a couple of good saves by the Matlock ‘keeper and several promising breaks - called back by the offside flag - but the remainder of the first half was relatively even and at 2-0 at half time the game remained in the balance, with the next goal being the most important one.

Pride stepped up a gear in the second half, adding another four goals to ensure the points came back to Derby. Daisy Bowen scored her second when put through by Summer Evans after 52’, before Evans scored two within four minutes of each other (67’ and 71’) - the first hitting home a rebound after Abbey Hirst’s shot was blocked, the second assisted by Hannah Roberts.

The final goal came after 79 minutes when Loren Roberts was first to a loose ball following a corner and fired home from close range for her first goal for the Pride.

It was a second clean sheet in succession for Jade Howell who was well protected by the defensive unit and it reflects the work done by the whole team when out of possession; this is the first time the Pride have started a season with two shutouts.

Player of the Match was Loren Roberts - solid in defence, reading play well and as a bonus, scoring her first goal for The Pride.

Pride Park return to Moorways next Sunday (28th) when they play Long Eaton United Development (ko 13.30)