On a rain-soaked afternoon at St Mary’s School, Chesterfield 3rd Team were edged out 4–6 by Sheffield 4th Team in an entertaining and hard-fought contest.

Chesterfield made the brighter start, moving the ball confidently despite the slippery surface and immediately putting the visitors under pressure. Early attacking intent saw several promising chances carved out, along with a string of penalty corners that tested Sheffield’s defensive resolve. However, despite their dominance in possession and territory, the breakthrough would not come.

Instead, a costly spell of poor defending turned the game on its head. Sheffield ruthlessly capitalised, striking three times in the space of ten minutes. Quick transitions and clinical finishing punished Chesterfield’s momentary lapses, leaving the home side stunned at 0–3.

To their credit, Chesterfield responded with determination. Refusing to let their heads drop, they pressed forward once more and were rewarded before the break. Evergreen forward Rob Anderson led the charge, first finishing smartly from close range and then adding a second with confident composure to bring the score back to 2–3 at half-time and reignite belief.

The second half followed a frustratingly familiar pattern. Sheffield again found momentum and extended their advantage with two quick goals, stretching the lead to 2–5. Yet again, Chesterfield refused to yield. Driving forward with renewed energy, they clawed their way back into contention.

Rob Anderson completed a fine hat trick with a well-taken third goal, showcasing his predatory instincts in front of goal. He then coolly dispatched his fourth of the afternoon, demonstrating trademark composure to narrow the gap to 4–5 and set up a tense finale.

With momentum building and hopes of a remarkable comeback alive, Chesterfield pushed forward in search of an equaliser. But with five minutes remaining, Sheffield extinguished any prospect of a resilient result, scoring an excellent sixth goal to seal the contest at 4–6.

Despite the defeat, Chesterfield showed impressive character and attacking quality in difficult conditions. On another day, their early dominance and fighting spirit might well have earned them a different outcome.

#evergreen