Huddersfield Dragons 2 v Chesterfield 2

Huddersfield Dragons 2 v Chesterfield 2
Saturday 24th February 2024

Final Score :3-2
Scorers: Harry Dukes (2)

Chesterfield 2s left beaten and disappointed with a strong case of "what might have been" after travelling to face Huddersfield Dragons.

Huddersfield clinically took their chances in the first half, scoring three goals. Chesterfield kept themselves in touching distance with a deflected goal from Harry Dukes. The second half was more open as both teams attacked and looked to grab the win. Chesterfield scored the goal of the game, and Dukes' goal, after a circle entry and cross from Sam Unwin was neatly finished by poacher Dukes. However it was not to be as Huddersfield held on for the win.

Chesterfield started the game well, playing the ball with confidence around the pitch before then conceding the first goal of the game. The ball was turned over in Chesterfield's own 22 after a physical challenge by Huddersfield that led to a run and easy goal past stand in goalkeeper, Luke Spyra. Chesterfield continued to try to play hockey, Gooden throwing aerials to Chesterfield's front line down Chesterfield's left but couldn't find a way to break through the stubborn Huddersfield back line. Huddersfield then created a chance in circle, the initial shot blocked by Gooden's body and resulted in a penalty flick. Spyra had the eyes from the opposition and knew where the ball was going, but just couldn't get stick on ball to prevent the goal.

The boys in green then decided to play some hockey. Dukes continued to impress, whilst Montford and Unwin enjoyed freedom and space down the right hand side. This eventually led to Chesterfield's first goal. Dukes neatly deflected a cross past the Dragons 'keeper to bring Chesterfield back into the game.

A turning point in the game came, as Rob Smalley thought he'd grabbed the equaliser, only to have it correctly ruled out for playing the ball with his feet. Unfortunately for Chesterfield this was closely followed by Huddersfield's third goal. Gooden received a heavy ball to the foot on the edge of the circle and went off for a brief break. During this spell, Huddersfield took a quick self pass, and Chesterfield were disorganised letting the Dragons score and lead at half time.

Chesterfield knew they could do so much better in the second half and so they did. Chesterfield attacked and created chances, putting the pressure onto the Huddersfield defence. Huddersfield had their keeper to thank for numerous saves that kept them in the game. Dukes grabbed his second, and goal of the game after neat interplay down the right hand side. He will rue the missed hatrick chance that he had, the ball seemed to be heading for the top corner but he flashed it just outside the post.

It wasn't all one way traffic though, Chesterfield stand-in keeper, Luke Spyra, made a number of saves in the second half and played well overall.

The game ended 3-2 with Chesterfield feeling a sense of injustice at the loss, especially having got themselves back into the game and then not being able to do enough to grab a third goal.

Harry Dukes was awarded player of the match for his goals, running and link up play. Gooden, Phillips and Unwin also getting nominations from team mates.

Steve Lord was unanimously DoD for forgetting his trainers (luckily didnt have to play in his sliders).

Chesterfield will be looking to right the wrongs of yesterday when they travel next weekend to Ben Rhydding in a vital game in their battle to remain in the league.

#evergreen