It has been a season to remember for Chesterfield FC U21s, completing an unbeaten season in the NMDFL South Division.
We re-live the young Spireites’ invincible campaign, going on to lift the League Cup…
Chesterfield’s league consisted of Eastwood CFC, Shirebrook Town, Derby County Community Trust Elite, AFC Mansfield, and Staveley Miners Welfare – a tough, competitive group.
Did that stop the Spireites from dominating? Absolutely not.
Ten games. Forty-two goals scored. Only 12 goals conceded. Three clean sheets. No wonder they were table-toppers.
Chesterfield finished seven points clear of second-placed Eastwood, with a superior goal difference to the rest of the league.
It has not all been plain sailing, however, with the tactic’s infrastructure changing throughout the club. This has meant that the young Spireites have had to adapt on several occasions, changing their style of play while still pushing for the league title.
The most recent game, at home to Eastwood, summed up the side in 90 minutes. Despite the setbacks – going behind early and being pegged back to 3-3 (with only 20 minutes left to play) – the players did not hide, were not scared. They just kept believing and plugging away, with the young Spireites being eventual 7-3 winners.
So, what are the key points and stats?
The most important – Chesterfield U21s finished top of the league.
Ten games. Eight wins. Two draws. Twenty-three points. An unbeaten season in the NMDFL South Division.
The Spireites completed league doubles over Mansfield, Staveley Miners Welfare and Eastwood, with draws coming against Derby County and Shirebrook.
In terms of players, Fuertado has been an ever-present, racking up six goals in seven appearances, dominating in midfield and pushing the side forward.
Alongside Fuertado, is Tansley, Wells, and Blakeley, who have made seven, six, and six appearances, respectively.
Of course, all players put their body on the line for the team, battling for each other all season, never losing hope, and being orchestrated well by academy manager Neil Cluxton.
The club will be hoping to replicate the U21s season throughout the other age groups, and next season too.
