Imogen Fowler marked her return as a Chesterfield FC Women’s player with the winning goal as the Spireites secured a 1-0 victory over Barnsley Women FC in their first-ever Women’s National League fixture.
Fowler’s first-half penalty was enough to see Chesterfield claim the scalp of one of last season’s division’s best sides after an all-round impressive performance.
Manager Pete Jarvis was delighted with his team’s display from the first minute to the last, saying: “The performance and the level of effort and everything we asked from the girls was spot on.”
“It was a 10 out of 10 performance from every single player.”
“We showed why we got promoted last season, and the new players that have come in have added a lot of quality.”
“The commitment and the quality and everything was absolutely brilliant.”
It was a cagey opening to the game as both teams eased their way into the new season.
Two-thirds of the new-look Spireites attack provided the first glimpse of goal when Sophie Marshall and Jess Thompson linked up to find Ruby Shore, whose effort skidded wide.
Chesterfield came close again on the half-hour mark when Sophie Bain floated a ball through to Fowler, whose one-on-one effort was thwarted only by the outstretched glove of Serena Clarke.
Fowler did not have to wait long to open her account, however, as she was tripped inside the area in the 41st minute.
The forward, who returned to the club in the summer after a spell with Sheffield FC, made no mistake from the spot as she calmly slotted the ball into the bottom-right corner.
Less than two minutes later, the lead was almost doubled through Thompson, but her strike was well saved by Clarke.
After the break, Barnsley tried to take the game to Chesterfield.
Derby County loanee Ellie Flanagan stood firm, as did the defence in front of her, as the visitors pressed for an equaliser.
It was a half of very few chances, but the Spireites remained a constant threat when possession turned over, with Marshall and Thompson again combining neatly.
Second-half substitute, Tilly Hallas-Potts, almost grabbed a debut goal when she rose highest to meet Fowler’s corner, but her effort went narrowly over the bar.
There was anxiety around the ground as the minutes ticked down, but aside from a handful of appeals for a late penalty, Chesterfield stood firm to secure all three points.
It was a performance that showcased both sides of the Spireites, with their attacking threat matched by a resolute defensive display.
Next up is the hotly anticipated return to the SMH Group Stadium on Sunday, August 23, when Pete Jarvis’ side welcome Sutton Coldfield to Chesterfield.
Chesterfield: Flanagan, Harding (Staples 59), Nowell, Brassington, Porritt, Bain, Cahill (Hallas-Potts 56), Fowler, Marshall, Shore (Ashtei 79), Thompson (Hassen 88)
