Chesterfield U12 boys were in action today for the final time this season. This competition was the Yorkshire North-East plate finals taking place at Leeds Uni.

Chesterfield were out of the blocks like a rocket against Lindum with Ted putting a ball through early on to Tyler in the D, who superbly deflected the ball into the corner. 1-0. The game then settled down with some chances on offer for both teams, before it was Lindum who got on the scoresheet next with another deflection to make it 1-1. With just a few seconds to go in the game, Ted made a skilful run through the middle before calmly pushing the ball into the corner for a well deserved but last gasp win. 2-1.

The 2nd match was against Wakefield which was a very even contest. Chesterfield created some good chances with both Zach & Ted very nearly getting a goal. At the other end, some well organised and determined defence from Aqeel and Cole kept Wakefield at bay. In the end it was one moment of magic from Wakefield that won the game – a powerful backhand strike from the edge of the D, low into the bottom corner. 0-1
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This narrow defeat didn’t affect the boys who were straight back into the groove against Hull, dominating possession and controlling the game nicely. With 1 or 2 boys not able to play today, the squad was boosted by Harrison from the U10 team. Midway through the game it looked like a goal would not come for Chesterfield before Ted forced a great attacking move, and this time cleverly slipped the ball left to Harrison who slapped it in at the far post to spark some wild celebrations amongst the Chesterfield players. 1-0. A couple of minutes later Ted again repeated the favour for Harrison to find the net again at the far post to create more pandemonium. A 3rd goal later on, sealed a well deserved win. 3-0.
Next up were Slazengers who normally prove to be tough opponents and create close matches, and this contest was exactly that. An exciting end to end game developed, with chances for both teams. It was Slazengers who grabbed the win about 2 minutes from the end with a nicely taken strike. 0-1

The final group game against Tynedale was another good performance from Chesterfield who controlled the game nicely. Theo was in good form, wining the ball several times in midfield before making good passes into the D for the Chesterfield strikers. In the end, it was Ted again who converted 1 of several attacks with a nice finish into the right hand bottom corner. 1-0

3 wins and 2 losses, put Chesterfield into the 3rd / 4th place match with Slazengers. A really good game developed with Aqeel in brilliant form at the back making crucial tackles, and thwarting several attacks from Slazengers, as well as distributing the ball really well out from the back, as he did all day. However, Slazengers did eventually find the net with a good strike. As we have seen all season, Chesterfield never gave up. The boys won 2 or 3 penalty corners before one was converted - a clever pass forward from Aqeel to Ted, who played a cheeky deflection into the goal. 1-1 and penalty stokes loomed.
After 3 nail-biting pens each, the scores were still level with Rhys making 2 saves - a fantastic stick save down to his right, and also standing tall to make another good save. Sudden death followed with Ted composing himself well before flicking comfortably into the bottom right corner to take the lead 2-1. Rhys then pulled out another stunning save low to his right, to finish the match with Chesterfield as winners, and take 3rd place overall.

A huge thankyou to both players and parents for making this a fantastic season for Chesterfield U12 boys, who have improved and developed massively, on and off the field. Well done boys !