Chesterfield FC Women suffered a 2-0 defeat on the road at Grimsby Borough this afternoon. A scoreline which by no means reflected the game.
The Spireites started off brightly, on the attack, and had a chance through Lucy Graham in the opening five minutes. After a brilliant one-two with Amelia Holland, Graham drove into the box before taking a shot, but it was gathered by the ‘keeper.
Manager Andrea Parkinson was forced to make an early substitution in the 22nd minute after Megan Breeze was injured by a late tackle. A change which meant no more substitutions for the Spireites.
Chesterfield continued to push forward, with great passages of play but were unable to find the opener. Just before half time, captain Megan Clarkson made a run out of defence with the ball, before taking a shot but it was deflected.
Despite the Spireites piling on the pressure, Grimsby Borough took the lead on 45+1. Deflating for the Spireites who had played a good first half, but went into the break 1-0 down.
The Spireites showed their intent from the off in the second half as Maddie Watkinson fired a shot just wide in the first 30 seconds of the half.
Chesterfield continued to attack and were unlucky not to equalise just minutes later when Kadi Townsend put a brilliant ball into the box for Faye Delaney to get on the end of, but the Borough ‘keeper got down well to save.
Despite constant pressure from the Spireites, the hosts doubled their lead from a long-range shot in the 52nd minute.
The Spireites weren’t backing down and continued to pepper the opposition goal for the remainder of the half, with Watkinson coming close from a direct free kick, but it was whiskers wide of the post. Minutes later, Graham created a great chance after driving into the box but her shot was saved.
A penalty was awarded to the Spireites in the last minute of the game and was well taken by Watkinson, but the opposition ‘keeper came up with a brilliant save to match, keeping the final score at 2-0 to the hosts.
Next up for the Spireites is Arnold Eagles away.
Spireites: Carroll, Holland, Clarkson, George, Breeze (Willoughby 22) ,Townsend, Pinkney, Francis, Watkinson, Graham, Delaney