Chesterfield v Brigg

Monday 11th September 2023
Chesterfield HC v Brigg HC
1 v 4
Scorer: Femi Colton
St Mary's School, Chesterfield

An evenly balanced and well fought match played out on Monday evening underneath the floodlights at St Mary's School. Brigg ran out 4-1 winners, thanks to a blitz of 3 goals in the second quarter, but in truth the game was closer than the scoreline suggested.

Both teams started tentatively, probing the opposition defences, whilst also reacquainting themselves with the right end of a hockey stick. Brigg's experienced players seemed to adjust quickest and took control of the first quarter, scoring a neat goal. In the second quarter, Brigg turned the screws on Chesterfield scoring 3 goals without reply. Despite the scoreline, 'keeper Balderstone was playing well and made a neat double save from a short corner and flick that would surely have meant disaster for Chesterfield.

Chesterfield took the opportunity to initiate 4 new players into adult hockey: Kieran, Ieuan, Max & James. All four being graduates from Chesterfield's badgers team. The new players were finding the game a step up during the first half onslaught, but weren't completely overawed.

A half time regroup by Chesterfield led to a much stronger 2nd half to the game. Chesterfield scored through midfielder Femi Colton, who violently finished from close range, the ball coming out to him after a short corner save.

The 3rd team captain, Paul Ryan, was at the centre of most of Chesterfield's positive attacks and was unlucky not to score himself, defeated only by the post. As it was, Brigg had to thank their 'keeper for some outstanding saves and restricting Chesterfield to the single goal. He kept out at least two certain goals from veteran forward, Martin Fisher, making saves from nowhere when the ball seemed destined for the corner.

Team Coach, Steve Lord, said this about the evening "This was a perfect exercise in the execution of a pre-season friendly. Thanks to Brigg for making the journey down to Chesterfield. The friendly was played in the best spirit, whilst still competitive, and was a great intro for our "lads" to playing hockey. We look forward to playing you in the league!"

Thanks to Colin & Katie for umpiring superbly. And lastly congrats to Colin, who was successfully assessed for his EH umpiring qualification.

#evergreen