Young Spireites continue unbeaten run

A free-flowing first half aided Chesterfield FC U21s’ title hopes, as a 5-1 away victory took the young Spireites six points clear at the top of the NMDFL table.

Chesterfield went into the game against Eastwood CFC top of the table and unbeaten, with six wins and two draws in eight games. 

Chesterfield came out the brightest of the two sides in the first half, taking the lead after 16 minutes.

Fuertado burst into the Eastwood penalty box, but his touch took him too wide. With the midfielder distracting the keeper and two defenders, Fuertado rolled the ball across to Collier, who poked home from six yards out.

Centre-back Robinson came close to doubling Chesterfield’s lead, striking from 40 yards out. The Eastwood keeper struggled but managed to tip the ball over, denying a potential Goal of the Season contender, to Robinson’s frustration.

Robinson doubled Chesterfield’s lead moments after his audacious strike. A smart low free-kick from Bradbury found the defender six yards out from goal, who swivelled and slid the ball under the onrushing goalkeeper.

With half-time fast approaching, the young Spireites were still pushing for more. 

Two goals in two minutes saw Chesterfield stretch their lead as the half-time whistle blew. Fuertado (43) rocketed in an effort from outside the box, before O’Connor pounced on a rebound to make it 4-0 only a minute later.

Five minutes into the second half, Eastwood were given a lifeline as Preston brought down a player in the box, giving away a penalty. The Eastwood forward slotted the ball into the corner, sending Preston the wrong way.

Eastwood failed to capitalise on the momentum and weather conditions in their favour, with Chesterfield adding a fifth through Wood with three minutes left on the clock.