Skipper Elliot inspires Chesterfield to big win

Elliot led the way with three goals as her side made it three wins in a row in Division One of the Derbyshire Women’s Hockey League.

“I have to say once again, I am so proud of this team,” she said.

“We found out on Wednesday that two of our players were not allowed to play due to Tier 3 restr”ictions and are out of action for at least three more weeks.

This could have hindered us, but we pulled together and didn’t let it affect us. We started very well and continued to pile the pressure on, used our pace and got the ball forward quickly.

“We’ve been working a lot in training on positioning and movement of the ball in the attacking circle and it’s great to see that paying off.”

Delighted coach Christian Battye also praised the side for shrugging off the loss of key players Lauren Walton and Lindsay Vaughan due to Tier 3 Covid restrictions.

“The squad all pulled together and just went for it,” he said.

“Our pace and intensity was too much, our effort to win the ball back was fantastic. Even when things don’t go to plan, the team works incredibly hard for each other.”

In wet, blustery conditions Chesterfield were out of the blocks first and dominated possession.

Skipper Ruth Elliot broke the deadlock from a penalty corner, then player of the match Amelie Young bagged her second goal in as many games to make it 2-0 at half time.

Despite a spirited effort from the home side, visitors Chesterfield ran away with the game in the second half.

Elliot completed her second hat-trick of the season with two fine goals and Maisie Prigent capped another assured performance with a well taken goal.

Buxton pulled a goal back but to no avail as Chesterfield eased to victory.

Tier 3 Covid restrictions imposed on South Yorkshire put an abrupt halt to Chesterfield’s men’s first team this week.

With eight of the squad unable to travel out of South Yorkshire to play hockey, the game away at Birmingham side Streetly was reluctantly cancelled.

Captain Jon Moores said: “With over half the boys living in South Yorkshire we are unable to field a side without causing players lower down the club to miss out on hockey.

"Training was difficult as it’s the last time we’ll see each other for a fair few weeks.

"At the moment the rest of the division are carrying on, so we’re in the dark a little bit. The league have told us they’ll review the situation in late November, which doesn’t really tell us a great deal”

Men’s coach Christian Battye was left scratching his head.

“The rules don’t make sense to me but we have to respect them,” he said.

"We now have a situation where half of the team can train together but the other half are stuck across the border.

"It’s a farce to be honest. I think trying to complete the league season across the Midlands region is also ambitious.”

Chesterfield were due to host Worcester this coming Saturday, but that fixture will be cancelled.