Chesterfield 1 v Durham City 1

Saturday 30th September saw Chesterfield men’s first team hosted Durham City hockey club at a very wet St mary’s, hoping to get their campaign up at running for the second game in the season.

In a repeat of the first game, Chesterfield struggled to get going, allowing Durham to press high and pressure Chesterfield’s defensive line. Struggling to find an outlet and getting pushed back, chesterfield conceding yet another early first goal. Despite an outstanding performance from returning goalkeeper William ‘gibbo’ Gibbon, chesterfield conceded further, ending the half 2-0.

As always, Chesterfield reset and came out fighting in the 2nd half. A break away down the wing and baseline from Cameron Taylor led to a penalty corner which was clinically converted by Luke Nash. Despite a second half push from Chesterfield and pressuring the Durham goal, the revival was not to be and chesterfield conceded again, ending the game 5-1.

Vice Captain, Louis Johnson said “The game was a tough one for us. We allowed Durham to set up and press quickly. Our communication from the back was good and we’ll catch continue to build in the coming weeks”.

Captain Rob Cooke offered “It’s frustrating. If we’re honest with ourselves we’re not there fitness wise yet and Durham exploited this. We’re a new team from previous seasons with 2 further player debuts today. We’re playing a new style of hockey for us and it’s taking some time getting used to. I’m confident it’ll come as we gel together. Gibbo was outstanding today, he did more than his fair share and as a team we owe him to be better”.

Chesterfield move onto their first away game next weekend against Wakefield, hoping to finally get their season going.

Player of the match - William ‘gibbo’ Gibbon

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