Hat-trick for Tasmanian birthday boy in Chesterfield romp

Taking on lowly Rugby and East Warwickshire, Chesterfield could not afford any slip-ups, given that they sit only a point behind leaders Olton and West Warwick in the Second Division table.

And a patient, controlled performance earned them a 7-1 success against the stubborn visitors and very much kept their title hopes alive with seven games to play.

With Rugby sat in their own half, Chesterfield had to work hard to create openings in a scrappy first 20 minutes. But they finally broke the deadlock when Bessell netted from close range in a goalmouth scramble.

A second goal followed soon afterwards when the 18-year-old Joe Morton finished low past the ‘keeper after carrying the ball from deep.

The rest came in the second half when Bessell celebrated his 19th birthday in style, capping a fine attacking move started by Tom Bacon and then supplying an adept backhand finish after a piece of terrific skill.

Molloy also completed a treble, scoring goals three, six and seven, and Rugby only pulled one back when a deflection fell kindly for them in the circle.

The match marked the final appearance for Joe Scott, who returns to Tasmania after a short spell.

Player/coach Christian Battye said: “It has been great having Joe back, even for a short time. He's a great influence on the younger lads.”