Chesterfield gained a valuable point against a strong Dragons outfit in a game that either side could have won.

Chesterfield had been optimistic during the week, but due to unfortunate circumstances were reduced to 12 players in the morning, and with no Goalkeeper. However, stand-in captain, Steve Lord, shuffled the pack and played the hand that was dealt. This meant that the ever dependable midfielder Luke Spyra stepped in as goalkeeper for Chesterfield. It was a tentative opening to the first half, with both sides testing each other out in midfield, without much end product for either side. Spyra made some good saves and clearances, whilst the evergreens defended a handful of Huddersfield's penalty corners that amounted to nothing.

Breaking down the left side of midfield, Chesterfield's Christian Battye took a quick free hit and drove towards the circle with purpose, bypassing a couple of Dragons on the way. Battye released the ball to Alex Kennerley, who ran laterally across the front of the goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the bottom left corner to give Chesterfield the surprise lead.

The goal gave Chesterfield a confidence boost whilst also deflating the team in black and purple. Forward Dan McCullom, excellent again, broke forward into the D and released Chris Cowley. At first closed down, he worked it onto his reverse and flicked the ball over the prone goalkeeper. A Huddersfield defender had seen the threat and covered well to save another Chesterfield goal.

A second goal for Chesterfield would follow shortly after. Cowley received a return pass from Colton but was stick tackled on the way through, resulting in a penalty corner. From the corner, McCullom's strike at goal was deflected over the keeper and defenders by Kieran Wright.

The teams went into half-time at 2-0, and Chesterfield were much happier and looking good for the lead they deserved.

In the second half, though, Huddersfield came out with more determination, getting a perfect start through a deflected finish that goalkeeper Spyra could do nothing about. Both sides continued to create chances in the second half, but Chesterfield would find it hard going after a foul on Battye, saw him limping off, and forward Cowley was also recovering from a sickness bug. Huddersfield created more chances, but stand-in keeper Spyra was doing a great job at clearing his lines. Chesterfield could have extended their lead. A drive down the right side of the circle to the baseline by Battye was pulled back behind the defenders, but Colton's shot missed the target by inches. Five minutes later, Huddersfield got the equaliser they'd been chasing from a penalty corner. A forward pass found their captain on the edge of the circle, and as he turned, he was taken down. The penalty corner was tidily finished in the bottom corner from a straight strike.

The last five minutes of the game were frantic. Huddersfield went close again but couldn't find the final touch. Chesterfield defended strongly and held on until the final whistle was blown with the score 2-2.

#evergreen