Chesterfield U16 boys played the last league game against a Doncaster team who were just below them in the table.

From the start, Chesterfield made home advantage count by dominating the opposition for the first few minutes. Kieran marshalled the team from the back, whilst the midfield of Sam, Seth, Ieuan, Noah and Ellis E kept possession for large parts of the opening play. Chesterfield were awarded a penalty for feet from a short corner, whilst Ted slung the ball confidently to the keeper's right, the Doncaster keeper made an excellent stick save. Slightly against the run of play, Doncaster managed to break the resolute Chesterfield defence and scored. Coach Sam did not flinch and confidently predicted Chesterfield would come straight back. The prediction swiftly came true when Dan danced into the opposition d, shooting from a narrow angle, and Noah pounced on the rebound. Dan then made amends by dribbling around the Donny defence( I’m sure he went round one defender more than once) before burying the ball into the net. More flowing counterattacks from the low Chesterfield block saw Charlie presented with three one-on-ones with the keeper, none of which resulted in a goal. Kieran and his defence of Ellis L, Aqeel, Ted and Clayton, meant that Ali in goal was the less busy of the two keepers, but, as ever, when called upon, produced some very assured keeping. The move of the game saw the ball quickly shipped from defence, through midfield, to Ieuan on the wing, who wiggled into the d, before setting up Charlie for a tap-in. Ellis E then produced one of his strong runs from midfield to the byline, before excellently chipping the keeper, for Charlie to smash it into the roof of the net on his reverse ( we knew you had greatness in you, Charlie!). The final goal saw Seth flick a shot from around the p spot, something( suspected oppo knee) stopped that shot, but Charlie poached the loose ball.

5:1 to Chesterfield was a fine reflection of the performance and just rewards for all the hard work that the lads have put in with Sam and the rest of the coaching staff on Monday nights. It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with the lads on Sundays for the last 4 years, and both Chris Wright and I wish the lads all the best for the future.

#evergreen