Coach hails skipper as Chesterfield Hockey Club make it four in a row

Ruth Elliot scored twice to guide her side to victory.

The captain lead by example with two second half goals as the club’s first team ladies beat Burton’s second string 2-0.

It was the side’s fourth win in a row before entering the latest lockdown enforced break

“Ruth is someone that will try and lead by example,” he said. “She doesn’t spend time talking a good game, but just gets on with it.

“When things aren’t quite clicking for the team you need leaders like her to step up.”

Battye also paid tribute to his players for keeping their clear heads and having patience.

“The first half was tense, things weren’t going our way,” he added.

“The important thing is we kept clear heads which meant we could perform in the second half.

“Our work off the ball was the best I’ve seen all season, the girls should be proud.

“The game isn’t just played when you are in possession so to see the team organise themselves was fantastic.

“There is a real sense of pride around keeping a clean sheet and coming through a very tough game. They are developing into a proper team”.

A scrappy opening 35 minutes was contrasted by a much more assured second half display by Chesterfield.

Elliot opened the scoring in the 46th minute with an excellent finish from close range off the keepers pads.

A second arrived just two minutes later, this time the Chesterfield skipper fired home from the top of the circle for her ninth goal in five games.

Thanks to intense pressing and defensive work from the hosts, the visitors rarely threatened but when called upon keeper Charlotte Calderbank stood firm to record a well deserved clean sheet.

The club will now be unable to train or play under 4th December at the earliest as a result of the new lockdown, with Battye saying it left the club feeling a sense of frustration.

Battye added: “Shutting down outdoor sports such as hockey will have a massive impact on people’s mental, physical and social wellbeing.

"Covid isn’t being transmitted in these settings, so it’s very disappointing to see things stopped.”