With 1 final match to play from a 22 match league programme, prior to this crucial game Chesterfield held a slender advantage over title rivals York making the build up to this final match a tense affair. With both teams tied on 46 points, Chesterfield had to win their final match to guarantee promotion and the Yorkshire division 1 title, and this only by virtue of a far superior goal difference giving Chesterfield the advantage. Huddersfield were in a battle of their own, fighting to avoid the drop at the other end of the table, so this match was setup to be a hard fought contest.

Chesterfield started superbly, with striker Jack Hartley settling the nerves after just 4 minutes, when he got on the end of a long Jon Moores aerial pass, to slot home from close range. Hartley then pounced on another opportunity before scoring from close range, when he grabbed his 2nd goal just 5 minutes later. Chesterfield were in full flow at this point and it seemed like nearly every attack produced a goal.
Next, it was Luke Nash who made a skilfull run into the Huddersfield circle, before playing a neat pass to Olly Addy who scored with a clever reverse stick finish. The flood gates were now fully open, and 1 minute later Ryan Speed added the 4th goal with a calm finish into the bottom corner, from a penalty corner set play. The 5th goal came just 20 minutes into the game, with forward Louis Johnson nicely deflecting a pass into the Huddersfield goal.

Huddersfield then pulled one back, with Rhys Coldwell cutting in from the right to hit a rasping backhand shot home. This did not deter visitors Chesterfield who continued to push, and were awarded a penalty corner just before half time, which was calmly finished by midfielder Josh Beardsley after a skilful reverse stick flick. This goal took the half time scoreline to, Huddersfield 1 – 6 Chesterfield.

Chesterfield played intelligently in the 2nd half and with the game effectively already won at half time managed the game well to the end. Huddersfield tried to get a foothold in the game, but Chesterfield continued to win the 50-50 battles in defensive and midfield areas, and then attack with pace. Ben Curley in central defence playing his final game for the club before departing to Edinburgh, was outstanding throughout. He was also ably assisted by defenders Kennerley, Paynter & Beardshall, and with Chesterfield’s defence rock solid, Huddersfield never looked like they were going to find a way back into this match.

Chesterfield created further opportunities to score, with Cameron Taylor and Sam Barrett going very close. It was Louis Johnson who then bagged his 2nd goal on the 50 minute mark when he smashed a backhand shot high into the Huddersfield goal. Luke Nash then grabbed Chesterfield’s 8th goal when he converted a penalty corner by clinically flicking a shot high into the top left corner.
Australian defender Ned Paynter - player of the match, also in his final game for the club, then went very close from a penalty corner only to have his powerful drag flick tipped over the bar with a good save from the Huddersfield goalkeeper. Huddersfield did manage a consolation goal 5 minutes from full time, but the result was emphatic and never in doubt from start to finish. Final score, Huddersfield 2 – 8 Chesterfield.

In a 22 match league programme and title race that Chesterfield have never led until the closing stages and then only on goal difference, Chesterfield only took a clear lead on points after this final game of the season, timing their run-in to perfection.
This result secures the Yorkshire League Division 1 title for Chesterfield and promotion into Yorkshire & North East Division 1, where they will look to build again, on what has been a fantastic 2024-2025 season.