Chesterfield got back to winning ways with a comprehensive 3-1 victory against Sheffield United PGA in the FA Women’s National League Cup on Sunday afternoon.
Goals from Ruby Shore, Tilly Hallas-Potts and Evie Carter put the Spireites in a strong position in Group R, with a rescheduled game against Loughborough Lightning and the final fixture against Sheffield FC still to play.
Manager Pete Jarvis was particularly pleased with his side’s attacking output today, saying: “It was a really professional job. We didn’t have a great deal of possession over the course of the game, but we managed to be really disciplined throughout and take our opportunities a lot better today.
“We have been working on the connections in training, and they’re developing a better understanding each week.”
It was almost the perfect start for the visitors when, after just four minutes, they cannoned an effort off the bar from close range.
While it was a relatively even start to the half, Zoe Millington was the busier of the two shot-stoppers but withstood the early efforts from the visitors.
On the half-hour mark, there was a stoppage in play as Abbie Staples went down for treatment, giving both managers the opportunity to get instructions to their sides.
And whatever Pete Jarvis said to his side worked, as Shore gave Chesterfield the lead in the 34th minute.
Against her former club, the winger cut inside and curled a wonderful effort into the far corner.
However, less than a minute later, parity was restored as Sheffield United raced forward from kick-off and levelled things up.
Mollie Austin profited from a defensive error and poked home from close range.
But in what continued to be a frantic spell, Chesterfield regained their lead just two minutes later.
Hallas-Potts used her size to good effect as she forced her way past her marker to poke home her first goal for the Spireites.
The game settled down after the break, with neither side able to fashion any chances of note.
That was until Millington was called into action again in the 65th minute, but Chesterfield’s new keeper stood firm and produced a strong save with her foot.
Just as Sheffield United stepped up the pressure, Chesterfield dealt a hammer blow with a rare second-half attack.
Sophie Marshall produced a lovely touch to take the ball around the defender, who in the process brought the Chesterfield midfielder crashing to the floor, leaving the referee with no choice but to point to the spot.
Up stepped last season’s top scorer, Carter, who made no mistake from 12 yards to put Chesterfield 3-1 up in the 77th minute.
The hosts saw the game out in professional fashion, securing their first win since the opening day of the season.
Up next, it’s a return to league action when they welcome Kidderminster Harriers to Debdale next Sunday.
Chesterfield: Millington, Harding, Brassington, Warren, Staples (Ashtei 32), Cahill (Bain 56), Hallas-Potts (Marshall 56), Shore (Carter 51), Waplington (Porritt 74), Morin, Butterworth.
