Grimsby 1 v Chesterfield 2

Saturday 23rd March 2024

Grimsby 1 v Chesterfield 2
Final Score: 4-0 (3-0)

Player of the match - Ieuan Hooper

The 2s set off early from Chesterfield to make the long trip to Grimsby and play out their final game of the season.

The preparations through the week weren't ideal as a number of players were unavailable and the prospect of a long away trip for a dead rubber was inevitably unappealling. And so it was that Chesterfield travelled with a full team sheet, but no subs, to face Grimsby, a team already relegated from the league.

However Grimsby didn't receive the memo about it being a "dead rubber", and turned up mob handed, with a full team plus a full bench of subs - perhaps ready to correct the scoreline from the previous fixture against Chesterfield. The signs were there for Chesterfield as the warm up was anything but warm. It then proceeded to rain, and then hail, before a cold wind blew in from the North Sea leaving the Chesterfield players regretting all their life decisions at that point. Before the game started the rain clouds passed and glimmers of sun appeared and the umpires signalled the start of the game.

The first half was a tale of taking your opportunities. Chesterfield started the brightest, with lots of joy down the right as Unwin, Nixon and Hooper lead the charge. In fact it looked like a matter of when, not if, Chesterfield would score for the first 15 minutes where they outplayed Grimsby with a passing game that belied the age of the team (8 players aged 18 and under). As Chesterfield pushed to convert their dominance into goals, they were caught on the counter attack by Grimsby who finished neatly past 'keeper Morton. More opportunities came for Chesterfield though. Two short corner chances went awry but the team continued to push for a goal. Veteran, Steve Lord, sent an aerial ball from top of the circle into the opponents half, bypassing the majority of the Grimsby team. Their last defender, miscontrolled the ball in midair and deflected it on to Rob Smalley, who found himself one-on-one with their keeper. The Grimsby stopper was out quickly and able to smother the chance and clear the danger. Grimsby scored from two further breaks, as Chesterfield pushed for the goal they felt they deserved.

At half time the players were disappointed but not despondent. Despite the scoreline they rightly felt they were in the game and not just as spectators. There was talk of a reshuffle of personnel and positions but it was decided to stick "as-is" and persevere.

Luke Spyra again shined at left back, an unfamiliar position for him, but one where he performed well. Josh Ward, carried out his defensive duties whilst supporting the midfield well. The midfielders - Wrigley, Unwin, Hallam, Hooper and Colton - ran and ran tirelessly in the second half, both supporting Smalley and Nixon upfront, and covering the back line too. Will Hallam gave his all, despite just coming back from illness. Ieuan Hooper, stepped up from the 3s, for his 2nd team debut and performed well. Steady and reliable, he did the simple things well and wasn't phased at all as he stepped up in level.

Sam Unwin, in his last game for the Evergreens, showed his usual engine upon which the team have relied for many years - he will be missed! Regan Morton was excellent in goals again, as he has been all season. The scoreline is never a reflection of the youngster's goalkeeping performance and he again made numerous saves to keep the 2s in the game.

Smalley and Nixon upfront caused allsorts of problems for the Grimsby defence with their pace and running, but just couldn't find a finish past the last man (goalkeeper). Grimsby were lucky to keep 11 players on the pitch, as Smalley was taken out accidentally by the last defender when he would have been through against the keeper. But by that point, the scoreline hardly mattered and Chesterfield knowing their league position was secured didn't dispute the decision.

Chesterfield still created chances. The evergreens hit the post, and then missed the proceeding tap in. A short corner attack missed the two assembled castles at the top of the circle and went straight to the Grimsby attack on half way. All confirming that it wasn't to be a scoreline in our favour. The final score was 4-0 to Grimsby, but the team were pleased with their performance but for the goals conceded.

Player of the match, voted by the team, was Ieuan Hooper on his 2nd team debut.

#evergreen