In the battle of the young gladiators, it was the older students – the Blues – who were victorious in a very tight and entertaining game at the DW Stadium, home of Wigan Athletic to retain the NPLFA Cup.
Both Matlock Town sides have been in fine form this season and it was no surprise to see them contest the NPLFA Cup Final, three days before they met each other in the NPLFA Grand Final as both teams have dominated on the field this season.
Any thoughts that the game would be a placid affair between friends were dispelled soon after kick-off in what transpired to be a competitive game with team pride at stake.
The Whites took the lead in the first half with a sublime strike from Matthew Leask from 30 yards which caught Blues keeper Alex Buttery off balance and were dealt a further blow when Josh Devereux was sent off for two yellow cards.
