Chesterfield finish well, but first half proves costly
Chesterfield Hockey Club Mens's 1st team travelled to Brigg in their latest Yorkshire-North East Division 1 fixture, in what was to prove a disappointing afternoon.
The visitors started brightly enough with midfielder Ollie Addy cutting through the Brigg defence to create a chance for Jack Hartley who finished well to slot home and take a deserved 1-0 lead after 5 minutes. There then followed a 10 minute period in which both sides had several chances but through good defending and poor finishing, the score remained 1-0.
Brigg however, did find an equaliser about midway through the first half, following a well taken penalty. Brigg then controlled the game for remainder of the first half, and this was a pivotal period of the match during which Brigg scored 2 more goals that were contrasting to say the least. Brigg’s second goal was a tap in from close range, following a routine save that was inexplicably not cleared away by the Chesterfield defence after some indecision. The third goal however, was a superbly taken backhand strike from distance, fired into the bottom right corner by Brigg striker Zach Meadows.
Restarting two goals behind, Chesterfield rallied well in the second half and slowly managed to get a foothold in the game, with player of the match - midfielder Ryan Speed (pictured) dragging the visitors back into the game, launching countless attacks and looking to play the Chesterfield forwards into goalscoring positions. The breakthrough came with 20 minutes left in the match. For the second time in the match it was Ollie Addy who was the provider for Chesterfield, skilfully beating his man and driving down the right flank, before crossing the ball for Hayden Davey to calmly flick the ball into the Brigg goal, and pull the visitors back to within one goal at 2-3.
At this point, visitors Chesterfield sensed an equaliser was coming, and indeed the Brigg defence was put under further pressure, with several goalscoring chances created by Chesterfield. However, it was not to be for the visitors. A combination of both wayward shooting from Chesterfield, and resolute defending from the home side, ensured Brigg held on for a 3-2 victory.
Next week Chesterfield travel to Leeds for another crucial away match, and will need to improve their performance to get back to winning ways.