M3 v Louth 1

The Men's 3s took three vital points, with a 3-2 win over Louth 1s at St Mary's on Saturday.
Goals from Adam Bointon, Will Winter-Smith and Rob Anderson were just enough to secure the win in a see-saw match.

Louth started the brighter team and created multiple chances in the first ten minutes, Chesterfield having veteran goalkeeper, Chris Hooper, to thank for keeping them level. After the early onslaught, Chesterfield regained their composure and started to play their game - a mixture of direct and also possession hockey. This lead to the first goal, which was scored by Bointon from a penalty corner. Further possession and passing led to Chesterfield's second, from Will Winter-Smith. The ball was transfered across the back, from right to left, before a Cowley trademark dribble down the touch line created havoc in the Louth defence. They cleared the ball, but only as far as skipper, Paul Ryan, who duly supplied the pass for Winter-Smith to finish. The half ended with Chesterfield comfortable and looking to stretch their lead.

(Pictured on the ball - 3s Captain, Paul Ryan)

In the second half, surprisingly Louth started the stronger and again Hooper was the saviour for Chesterfield as he pulled off a diving stick save to deny a certain goal. That proved to spur Chesterfield on as shortly afterwards they won another penalty corner. The ball was struck from the top of the circle plum into the corner and directly onto the defenders foot. After umpire review a penalty flick was awarded and evergreen forward Rob Anderson dispatched to give Chesterfield a 3-0 lead

The home team should have pushed their advantage and killed the game off, however injuries and positional changes meant they capitulated. Louth, to their credit, always kept going and almost got something from the game. They won the ball turning over possession on the edge of the circle before driving in and scoring to give themselves a glimmer of hope going into the last 10 minutes. Louth hopes rose even higher as they scored again with 3 minutes to go after a neat deflection beat 'keeper Hooper.

However it was too little too late for Louth and Chesterfield held on for three vital points in their relegation battle.

Next weekend they face a long trek into the depths of Lincolnshire to play Leadenham 1s.

#evergreen