Chesterfield's scoring sensation Jarzembowski nets ten in hockey rout

The 19-year-old Pole had already been a revelation this term, netting hat-tricks in each of Chesterfield’s first four matches. But he capped even that to take his tally for the campaign so far to 22 as his side mauled inexperienced strugglers Old Silhillians 13-0 to stay top of the Second Division table.

“Incredible!” was how skipper Christian Battye summed up Jarzembowski’s display. “Damian has set himself high standards and to have 22 goals at this stage is almost unheard of,” he said.

“He has been a fantastic addition and has been great for the other lads to learn from. He’s only 19 and is still improving and maturing as a player. It’s frightening how good he could be if he keeps on this path.”

The game also marked a welcome return to first-team action for veteran goalkeeper Shane Hale, who replaced the injured Matt Lloyd. And Battye was delighted with his contribution.

“It was great to see Shane back with the team after all these years,” he said. “He was a calming presence for some of the younger lads. I’m keen to have him involved more because he’s an excellent communicator and sets a great example.”

A somewhat scrappy first half saw Chesterfield initially struggle against a youthful but well-drilled Sils side. The visitors’ squad underwent a major overhaul during the summer and their ranks are now boosted by several U18s.

But despite an initial stubborn resistance from the Solihull outfit, the home side opened the scoring through Jarzembowski within the first ten minutes and the Poland international added a second soon after.

Adam Bointon steered the ball past the ‘keeper to make it 3-0 before Jarzembowski struck goals four and five just before half-time –- the fifth being delivered on a plate by player-coach Ben Lamb.

To be truthful, Chesterfield had not been at their best and had been made to work hard, But they took control of proceedings in the second half as Jarzembowski ran riot with six more goals, backed up by a further two from Bointon, who completed his first hat-trick of the season.

Far from being a one or two-man show however, the supporting cast more than played their part. The physical presence of Dan Molloy and guile of Pat Grant caused the Old Sils defence problems all afternoon, allowing Jarzembowski the space to play. It was Molloy’s vision and crossfield ball that set up goal number six and, from then on, the hosts moved through the gears to kill the game off, with Andy Hodgson and Joe Morton posing problems for the visitors’ midfield. The last three goals all came in a whirlwind final three minutes.

Chesterfield hope to keep their run going when they travel to Stratford this weekend.