On a cold Saturday morning and after a long spell off the pitch due to the Christmas break and bad weather the ladies were fired up for what they knew was going to be a strong fixture.
University of Sheffield (UoS) started off strong and were awarded 2 penalty corners in the first 10 minutes. The short corner defence of Nic, Sarah, Emma and Anna kept UoS at bay, along with some great saves by Loz.
On 11 minutes UoS were awarded a further short corner and the powerful strike from Sheffield gave them a lead, with the help of an unfortunate deflection. Some will say “Tactical leadership to turn the tide’.
The lead didn’t last long as a great run from Elise on 13 mins put Chloe in at the back post to equalise. Elise finished her run on the floor, graze 1 of the match and the first of many for 2025. Check back next week for another grade update.
The game then became end to end, with great runs from Freya, Sophia, Kara & Nic in midfield with Jen and the defence holding strong.
Sheffield got a break through on 19 minutes through open play.
Both teams continued to press hard and there were chances for Esme and Abi, along with short corners for both sides but the score at the end of the first half was 2-1 UoS.

At half time the efforts of the team were praised by captain Emma, coach Abi and Holly, but areas of focus for the second half were closing down players, not diving in and therefore not giving UoS time on the ball and working in triangles.

The second half started as the first half finished end to end. Then on 42 minutes Nic won a penalty stroke, however as UoS had no goalkeeper players were a little confused as to what that meant with no kicking backs allowed. However, once umpire Colin confirmed a player was to stand in the net with a mask on and could only use their stick Abi stepped up and converted the penalty, 2-2 game on.
Chesterfield then had a string of attacks and were rewarded with two further goals from Elise and Esme on 49 and 55 minutes.

Sheffield then began to press again and had a further 3 short corners with no success due to the strong defensive line.

Chesterfield then continued to defend well as a team to keep Sheffield out.

Sheffield got a 3rd goal on 65 minutes to make the final result a 4-3 win to Chesterfield.

A great team performance with multiple players getting votes for player of the match. The award was given to Sophia for her strength, composure and good distribution of the ball in midfield.

Thank you to umpires Colin and Cal
Match report by Sarah