Sunshine, showers and a 3pm away start awaited Chesterfield Men’s 3rd XI as they made the trip to Huddersfield Dragons 3rd XI for what would prove to be a far more competitive encounter than the final scoreline suggested.

Chesterfield arrived with a squad that had been put through the wringer before a ball had even been struck. Injuries, sickness and a few players already clocking up their second game of the day meant the team sheet was looking a little thinner than ideal. The absence of the talismanic captain only added to the sense that this was going to require a collective effort. There were even some unexpected sightings of Rob Anderson in defence and Gary Johnson in midfield, suggesting that Chesterfield had somehow wandered into a parallel universe where the usual laws of hockey no longer applied.

Meanwhile, John McCollum lurked on the sidelines like the Angel of Death, patiently awaiting his opportunity to enter the fray. Up front, the youthful pairing of Claymundo and Dan “The McColossus” McCollum were tasked with providing the attacking spark.

Despite the challenges, Chesterfield started brightly and took the game to their hosts. Their positive opening was rewarded when Will Winter Smith unleashed a powerful penalty-corner strike, giving the Dragons' defence something to think about and Chesterfield an early foothold in the contest.

Huddersfield responded, and despite Chesterfield putting up a determined fight, the visitors found themselves on the wrong end of a few unfortunate goals in the first half. The scoreline began to stretch away from them, but the performance remained competitive, with Chesterfield showing plenty of character despite their depleted ranks.

The second half saw Chesterfield throw themselves into the contest with renewed determination. Wave after wave of attacks tested the Huddersfield defence, and the visitors refused to let the game drift away without a fight.

Their persistence eventually paid off through Dan McCollum, who embarked on what can only be described as a long and winding road to goal. Having navigated his way through the opposition, Dan kept his composure to slot the ball home and bring Chesterfield back into the game. It was a well-worked finish and a welcome reward for the team's relentless second-half efforts.

With momentum building, Chesterfield continued to push, but despite creating pressure and showing plenty of attacking intent, they simply couldn't get close enough to turn the tide completely. Huddersfield held on, leaving Chesterfield to reflect on a scoreline that arguably flattered the hosts given the balance of play and the visitors' spirited response. Final score Huddersfield Dragons 4 v 2 Chesterfield.

There was plenty to take encouragement from, not least the resilience shown by a squad battling illness, injury and tired legs. The youngsters up front showed promise, the team kept competing until the final whistle, and the second-half display demonstrated what Chesterfield can produce when they find their rhythm.

Next weekend, attention turns back to cup action, with Lindum 5th XI awaiting. Hopefully, a few more bodies will have recovered, the captain will be back at the helm, and John McCollum will finally be released from his touchline purgatory.

Until then, the 3s can take heart from a performance that deserved better than the final score suggested.