Chesterfield v Alford & District

Chesterfield v Alford & District
Final score: 2-2

Goals:Winter-Smith, Ryan.

Skipper Paul Ryan scored a last minute equaliser to salvage a point for the Men’s 3s in a tough relegation battle.

Alford visited St Mary’s in a bid to save their own season but it was the evergreens who took the lead inside the first minute. With their first attack, Anderson won a penalty corner which was fiercely dispatched through the keepers legs from the top of the D by Will Winter Smith. After such a positive start the omens were good but Chesterfield lost their way as the struggled to connect passes or deal with the direct ball from the visitors. Alford hit back within 10 mins after Chesterfield again failed to clear their lines.
Despite the disjointed play, the evergreens still posed a threat whenever they advanced forward but lacked a final pass or clean strike of the ball.

Ryan rallied the troops at half time in an attempt to take control of the game but it was the away side who took the lead in the 53rd minute with a neat finish following a short corner routine.

The game seemed to be slipping away as the 3s looked desperately in need of some inspiration. Up stepped Captain Ryan. Moving McCormick into a more advanced role, Ryan went on a one man mission to change his sides fortunes picking up stray passes and making important tackles in midfield. It was from one of these such occasions that Chesterfield got their reward. With a minute to go, Ryan won the ball just inside his own half, played a neat couple of one - twos with McCormick, powered past 2 outstretched defenders before finding Max Lawson in the D. Ryan continued his run, receiving the ball back from Lawson before drawing the keeper to reverse strike under the helpless No.1.

Alford barely had time to restart before the final whistle was blown. A hard fought and well earned point as the 3s edge closer to safety. A captain’s performance to be proud of.

#evergreen