Aire Valley 2 V Chesterfield 2

It was not to be for Chesterfield 2s on Saturday as they lost out 4-3 to opponents Aire Valley 2 in a tightly fought game.

Chesterfield perhaps deserved better from the game, especially after playing some of their best hockey this season. The team started very brightly, and Aire Valley just weren't able to cope. Chesterfield's passing and possession game resulted in goals from Sam Unwin and Josh Beardsley inside the first 10 minutes. Unwin scored first with a neat tap in on the post from a penalty corner,. Whilst Beardsley scored after he drove into the D, dribbling past numerous players and then finishing high over the diving keeper.

As Chesterfield continued to search for goals, Aire Valley were able to fight back, scoring three goals entirely on the break, in the first half.

Shortly after half time, Chesterfield got back into the match and drew level thanks to a Matt Mountford goal. Will Beardshall, returning from injury, picked the defender's pocket superbly before laying the ball back to Mountford who smashed the ball past the Aire Valley keeper.

The game became scrappier as the half went on and Aire Valley became more and more frustrated as Chesterfield defended resolutely. With Beardshall dropping back to the bench to protect his recovery, skipper Perry Tugby took an accidental stick to the face and spent the rest of the match watching from the sidelines.

After a disputed penalty corner decision, Aire Valley scored the winner with a flick going high past keeper, Regan Morton. Chesterfield's keeper played brilliantly again for the 2s, and saved shots on more than a few occasions to keep Chesterfield in touching distance. For a brief moment, Chesterfield thought they'd claimed a draw. A ball, crossed from the right hand side, deflected off an Aire Valley foot and into the goal. The goal appeared to be given, before the opposite umpire was called in and correctly awarded a penalty corner.

The 2s will be disappointed to travel so far and have only cuts and bruises to show for it, but should be heartened by some excellent hockey played against tough opponents. It should be noted that the 2s fielded 8 players aged 18 and under, and will see this as valuable learning experience against a team that was almost entirely seniors and experienced adults.

Player of the match for Chesterfield was Josh Beardsley.

Next weekend the 2s travel to face Wakefield 5s, a team also fighting for their survial in the league.

#evergreen