WORCESTER Women's hopes of returning to the National League were dealt a huge blow when they fell to a 2-0 defeat at Matlock Bailens in the Midlands Premier Division.

An untimely tackle in the Worcester D' gave Matlock an early penalty stroke and the lead against the run of play.

Undeterred, the visitors stu-ck to their game-plan and blo-cked Matlock in their own half. A well-worked move down the left found Elaine Shepperd and her pass across the goal saw Hattie Lloyds' shot scrape the post. A few minutes later, Matlock were awarded another dubious penalty stroke. However, this time Alice Mellar made a great save.

Worcester kept up the pressure and a reverse stick shot from Charlotte Roberts went agonisingly close and hit the post.

Matlock increased their lead in the second half and Worcester missed two penalty corners.