Successful start for youth teams

It may surprise Chesterfield supporters to learn that we now have four different youth teams – one U21 side, two at U19 level and one U18 team. Also that we have over 60 registered players, ranging from the ages of 16 to 19. 

The opening league games started last week and first to kick off were the U19s. They are part of the National League U19 Alliance, Academy North Division and played on Wednesday afternoon, at Staveley MW’s ground against Darlington.

The Quakers got off to the worst possible start as George McCowie put through his own net after only three minutes, Brad Charlesworth then added a brace as Neil Cluxton’s young Blues raced to a 3-0 lead. 

But a double substitution by Darlington led to the visitors reducing the deficit to 3-2 at half-time. However, further goals by Pharell Waite and Tom Wood ensured Chesterfield recorded a 5-3 win.

Also in action on Wednesday afternoon were the other U19 (2) team, who play in the same league (but in Division F). A 4-0 victory was secured against AFC Rushden & Diamonds, under the stewardship of Nathan Khan, in a game played at Moulton College in Northamptonshire. On target were Laken Torres with a brace, Brad Mower and Harley Butcher-Simpson.

Thursday evening saw the U21’s make the short journey to AFC Mansfield’s Forest Town Arena. A 3-1 win was recorded in the Worksop Van Hire North Midlands Development Football League – U21 South Division. The goalscorers being Mat Feurtado, Sam Geeves and Brandon Bradbury.

To complete a magnificent week, the U18s beat Gainsborough Trinity Foundation 5-0 on Saturday morning in the NERF Junior Premier League – Cup Group 8. The game, played at Tupton Hall School, saw all the goals come in the second half, with Laken Torres and Brad Mawer record a brace each and Caden Nelson also get on the score sheet.