BROOKLANDS Poynton made the journey to rural Derbyshire to take on Belper and won 3-0 to retain top spot in Ladies' National Conference North.

The hosts propped up the table but Brooklands were keen to produce a dominant performance, free of complacency.

Immediately Brooklands controlled possession, finding themselves predominantly playing in the attacking half.

However, despite this dominance, Belper’s organisation and dogged defending meant a lack of clear chances to test the home keeper.

After a goalless first half, firm words were spoken by coach Aidan Khares, demanding the team re-focused on quality and calm intensity.

Instantly from the restart, Gavin and Clough delivered slicker passing around the back and out from defence, allowing Aine Curran and captain Jess Berry to cut through Belper releasing several dangerous attacks.

The deadlock was finally broken on 46 minutes from a sharp penalty corner rebound strike from player-of-the-match Helen Turner.

Once in the lead Brooklands continued to significantly control possession, with Belper defending for their lives in the D. Aussie Jess Bestall stepped up to fire home her second goal in as many matches from a penalty corner.

The pressure continued and Brooklands were unlucky not to increase the lead, Caro Hulme particularly unlucky after great skill saw her round the keeper as the whistle blew prematurely for a penalty corner.

Eventually a third goal came from a sweet Ellen Lockhart strike to seal a comfortable victory.