Chesterfield FC academy – weekly round-up

With so many academy games happening during the week, it can be difficult to keep track of how well the teams are doing.

This article provides an easy rundown of the results for you to follow and keep track of all the Chesterfield teams.

U7s

Chesterfield FC U7s had their game cancelled due to harsh conditions and a frozen pitch.

U8s

The young Spireites’ game was deemed playable despite, what seemed to be, a tricky pitch due to the conditions.

Chesterfield were unlucky in their vital moments during the game against Forest Town Arena, but it was a good lesson for the youngsters, having to adapt to different environments and dealing with difficult circumstances.

U9s

Game One

The U9s battled hard against South Normanton Athletic in their cup game and enjoyed large spells of possession during the 90 minutes. The players were not as sharp in front of goal but still gave a performance to be proud of.

Game Two

Chesterfield U9s travelled up north to take on Doncaster Elites, gaining a good experience at such a young age.

The coach was very happy with his team’s performance, with the young Spireites having many good moments during the game and dominating well. There was brilliant teamwork and build-up for one of the goals, which the coach mentioned as a special point in the game.

Chesterfield had a great attitude to keep going in a difficult game against tough opposition.

U10s

Game One

Chesterfield U10s performed well in a dominant display against Espial FC at Brookfield.

The performance helped to continue the young team’s good run of games and will mean they take a lot of confidence into the next match.

Game Two

Chesterfield U10s put together a great team performance against Leeds Girls U11s at the Balby Carr Community Academy.

The young Spireites’ display was one to be proud of, with the coach being very pleased with how his side played.

U11s

Chesterfield U11s welcomed UFCA Leeds for their JPL Yorkshire League game.

Having started sluggishly, they woke up against a very strong team and performed well overall. The poor start did not hinder them, and the coach was happy with the display when the final whistle blew.

U12s

Staveley Miners Welfare Football Club hosted a plethora of goals as Chesterfield U12s took on FC 59 and defeated their rivals 15-2.

The young Spireites dominated the game throughout, punishing their opponents with several fine finishes and multiple different types of goals – ranging from tap-ins to long shots.

Richardson, who won the Man of the Match award, Bruno and Ndebele all got their names onto the scoresheet, with Gilbert bagging another two.

Todd and Esberger looked to have stolen the show with a hat-trick each, but Thompson had other ideas as he went on to rack up four goals against FC 59.

Another exciting game in the Junior Premier League.

U13s

Game One

The team travelled to the City of Worcester to take on Worcester City in the JPL. The long distance was a major factor in their game, with Worcester coming away as 4-1 victors.

There wasn’t too much to cheer about, with Chesterfield’s only goal coming in the form of an own goal.

The coach had his say on the game: “It was a difficult day. Very frustrating to lose to a team I believe we are better than.

“There were just too many things against us – a two-hour journey, with some players taking over three hours to get there due to a road accident.

“Two minutes before kick-off, we had ten players, two of which were goalkeepers.

“The game plan went out the window and we had to go with what we had.

“It was a difficult day at the office, but this isn’t an excuse. We weren’t good enough on the pitch, but the circumstances didn’t help. We go again on Monday.”

Game Two

It was a disappointing result as Chesterfield Yorkshire U13s lost out to York City in a 14-goal thriller.

The first half only saw three goals, with York City going in 2-1 up at the break. No one expected what was to come.

Preskey, Oswald, Chapman, Clayton and Meehan all powered home for Chesterfield’s five goals, but were unable to keep tight at the back, conceding nine in their JPL League game.

The coach had his say on the team’s performance: “It was another disappointing day in York.

“We started brightly and played good football throughout the game, creating numerous clear-cut chances and should have scored more goals – which is pleasing as it’s what we have been working on in training.

“Ultimately, it came down to not doing the basics without the ball, conceding goals from five long-range efforts, and not tracking the rebounds from those efforts, plus far too many mistakes.

“I’m proud that they fought until the end but it’s simply not good enough to concede that many goals.”

U14s

Game One

Chesterfield U14s shared the points with Coventry Sky Blues in a JPL fixture. Murray and Schofield looked to have opened a gap between Chesterfield and their opponents but were pegged back to 2-2 before half-time.

The second half was full of half-chances, but no one was able to win the game for either team, with the game ending in a stalemate.

Keyghobhadi earned himself the MOTM award, with the three points the only thing missing from the game.

Game Two

Chesterfield Yorkshire U14s were tested by a strong Gateshead side in their JPL away fixture. The young Spireites came rushing out of the blocks, going ahead inside three minutes thanks to a superb strike from Bell.

The side did well to maintain their lead going into the break, with both teams having to deal with extremely windy conditions.

With players moving the ball a lot quicker in the second half, it seemed a lot more comfortable.

There was some heroic defending during the second half in an attempt to take home all three points, with some putting their bodies on the line.

However, it felt like all the hard work had been undone as Gateshead smashed home an unstoppable equaliser into the top corner with seconds left to play. 

The coach felt that a draw was right: “Overall, a draw was probably the fair result.

“Although, to the lads, it feels like a loss after everyone put in such a shift.”  

There was a special mention for goalkeeper Cheeseman, who earned himself the MOTM award due to his brilliant saves and quick reactions, only being beaten by a spectacular effort in the closing seconds of the game.

U15s

Game One

A brace from Izzard, alongside goals from Hardy and Mercer handed a 4-1 win to Chesterfield U15s against Kidderminster Harriers Red.

The young Spireites looked comfortable throughout the match but only took a 1-0 lead into the break. They turned on the style in the second half, putting another three goals away but were unable to keep the clean sheet.

Game Two

Chesterfield U15s took on South Shields in the JPL and came away with a 2-2 draw.

The young Spireites were under pressure right from the off, conceding the first goal within ten minutes. However, McDonald powered home a header from a Brassey free-kick just before the half-time whistle.

Assister-turned-goalscorer Brassey as he converted from the penalty spot to take the lead for Chesterfield for the first time in the game – assisted by Pashley.

Chesterfield were unable to hold out for the win and conceded the equaliser with 15 minutes left to play.

“It was a great performance from our lads today. On the balance of the game, we deserved the win,” said the U15s coach.

“The opposition were a very strong side, well drilled with a goalkeeper who pulled off several good saves.”

McDonald was given the MOTM award for his impact on the game, but the coach insisted that he could have awarded it to anyone.

U19s

Roche and O’Connor aided Chesterfield U19s in sharing the points against Stockport County in the National League U19 Alliance League, with the young Spireites missing out on the chance to close the gap on Solihull Moors at the top of the table.

It was a tough draw for the youngsters but were able to keep their place in the table with other results going their way.

Blakeley was a bright spark in Chesterfield’s morning, with the player being given the Man of the Match award for his brilliant display against equal opposition. 

U21s

Chesterfield U21s continued their unbeaten season by defeating fellow title hopefuls Derby County Community Trust Elite U21s in a tight North Development Football League affair.

The young Spireites avoided a scare as goals from Smith and Kee outscored Derby County’s single goal on the night, meaning Chesterfield are now seven points clear at the top of the table.

Wilkinson’s performance earned him the Man of the Match award and helped steered Chesterfield to their sixth win of the season.

Youth Team

Chesterfield’s youth team travelled to the Lido Ground to take on non-league club Clipstone FC in a friendly. The side were expecting a tough fight against a member of the Northern Counties East League Division One but, outstandingly, came away with the win.

A brilliant display saw Marshall, Ashley, Ross and Murphy all on the scoresheet, with a trialist adding a fifth in a 5-2 victory – proof of just how good the young Spireites are.