Deadly Molloy scores four goals as Chesterfield ease to win

In a highly entertaining encounter on a wet morning, Chesterfield ran out deserved 6-3 winners, despite a spirited fightback from 5-1 down by the Birmingham side in the latter stages.

The breakthrough goal came in peculiar circumstances as a pass from midfield by Jonny Hancock not only eluded its intended recipent, Jack Hartley, who was unable to make a clean trap in the circle, but also a horrified Harborne defence, and the ball rolled into the net, with the ‘keeper deliberately leaving it, believing mistakenly it hadn’t been touched.

The visitors equalised with a penalty stroke, despatched by Alex Kotlarsewski past Matt Drohan, but Chesterfield responded by piling on the pressure and regained the lead just before half-time with an expert slap finish from Joe Green after a reverse pass from Molloy.

The start of the second period belonged to Molloy, who blasted a quickfire hat-trick, first after good work by Joe Morton, next from a penalty corner and then when following up a shot from Hartley.

Chesterfield took their foot off the gas, allowing Harborne to pull one back and go close to others, including with a penalty stroke that Drohan saved.

But Molloy struck again from a pass by Green to ease the worries before Harborne netted a late consolation.