City of York 5 v Chesterfield 2

Saturday 16th December 2023, City of York 5 v Chesterfield 2
4-3 (1-1)
Goals: Callum Taylor, Matt Drohan, Sam Unwin.

Chesterfield 2s went down 4-3 in this rearranged fixture with City of York 5s, in what was a fairly evenly balanced match played in perfect conditions. This match was rescheduled after the recent cold snap had frozen off many games across the Yorkshire and North East Leagues. Despite being deeper into winter than the original fixture, the conditions were great for hockey.

Chesterfield lost their very first game of the 2023/2024 season to this team, and had a good idea of what to expect. York are a solid team with youth, experience and guile - and Chesterfield would have to deploy some of their best hockey to take something home from the game. The match was evenly balanced in the first half, with York having greater possession and Chesterfield playing more on the break. In fact, it was through a counter attack that Chesterfield scored first, Callum Taylor sweeping in a rebound and giving Chesterfield the lead. Just 5 minutes later Taylor again found himself one on one with the York keeper. This time the keeper saved well and Chesterfield were left to rue the missed chance. York scored a somewhat fortunate equaliser as the ball was flicked at keeper, Regan Morton. As he dived the ball stuck by his knee on top of his leg guard. As he moved to release the ball, it flipped out and back into the goal, gifting York the equaliser.

In the second half York came out strongly, converting a penalty corner that was switched across the goal and met with a nice diving finish. 3 minutes later York scored their 3rd goal, as a strong cross was deflected into the Chesterfield goal off Sam Unwin's legs. However the Chesterfield side showed some real character and fought themselves back into the game. They scored another breakaway goal, this time Matt Drohan on the scoresheet after being set up by evergreen Taylor. The match then swung back in York's favour as they scored their 4th goal of the day, from a debated penalty corner for a long barrier offence.

With the game seemingly out of reach for Chesterfield there was a lull of ten minutes, as both teams seemed ready to head to the bar and share a festive beer. However, Chesterfield dug in and pushed again, creating multiple chances. They were unable to score, despite multiple penalty corners in quick succession, and watched on as the best chance fell to Sam Unwin on the back post. With an open goal begging he just couldnt find the touch to deflect the ball in. It seemed to be slipping away from Chesterfield altogether until a "worldie" deflection goal from Sam Unwin in the final minutes brought the game back to life. It wasn't meant to be as Chesterfield's last push for an equaliser was too late and it finished 4-3 to York.

An enjoyable game to play in and fairly played out by both teams. We received some nice feedback form the opposition in the bar afterwards "Can you win some more games please? We want you to stay up as we enjoy playing you!" although maybe next time we'll suggest they let us win if they'd like us to stay in the league...

#evergreen