Chesterfield M4 3-5 Chapeltown M3

Chesterfield men’s 4s put in another encouraging team performance but battled to a narrow defeat to Chapeltown 3s at St Mary’s.

A string of improved performances have put smiles back on Chesterfield faces in recent weeks; the 4s have now scored 12 goals in their last four games, with the confidence flowing after a first win of the season last weekend and a young forward line beginning to blossom.

They faced a different challenge this weekend but stood up well up to a physical Chapeltown side.

After an even first few minutes, the away side struck first - a neat finish evading Andrew Laming in the Chesterfield goal and nestling in the bottom corner.

Chapeltown converted a penalty flick to double their lead midway through the half, but Chesterfield dug in and began to click through the gears up front - Dan McCollum going close and Joe Bamford hitting a post as the home side looked to hit back.

Ali-Sher Raza then did just that - winning and converting a penalty flick of his own to get the 4s back in the game.

With their tails up, it didn’t take long for Chesterfield to equalise - McCollum evaded the Chapeltown defence before bringing a great save from the away goalkeeper, with Noah Bingham perfectly placed to slot home the rebound at the far post.

Chapeltown went back in front as the half drew to a close, but the 4s were more than a match for their opponents and knew they were in with a great chance of securing back-to-back wins.

Chesterfield started the second half on the front foot, with Bingham twice going close to levelling the scores before Chapeltown extended their lead again to make it 4-2.

At this stage a lack of substitutes and the physical nature of the game began to take its toll on Chesterfield, but the 4s dug deep and again reduced the deficit with a fantastic team goal.

Picking the ball up in midfield, Noah Bingham drove over half way and found Clayton Morton on the left-hand side.

Morton took a touch and released McCollum, who drew in the Chapeltown defence and played in Joe Bamford - conveniently placed in the Chapeltown final third after finding himself on the floor for the umpteenth time in the game. Bamford peeled away from the last defender and fired home at the near post to cap a fantastic team move and give Chesterfield hope again.

That proved to be as good as it got for the 4s in the final stages however - with both teams tiring, Chapeltown added a fifth to seal the win and fend off a valiant Chesterfield fightback.

The 4s will aim to finish the season on a high note with a final game of the season at home to Sheffield 7s next Saturday.