The Spireites secured a league and cup double as they battled to a 1-0 win against Derby County Under-21s in the Derbyshire County Cup final on Sunday afternoon.
Evie Carter’s late strike against her former club proved to be the difference as Chesterfield signed off on a tremendous 2025/26 campaign with two pieces of silverware.
Reflecting on his side’s achievements, Chesterfield FC Women’s manager Pete Jarvis told was full of praise for his side’s “character” as they retained the County Cup, saying: “It was an excellent contest against a really strong team in Derby who gave a really good account of themselves.
“We knew we had some injuries going into the game, which put us on the back foot a little bit, but the character and fight in the second half stepped up our levels.
“From that moment against Loughborough [6-0 loss at the start of the season], we knew we were going to be in a really good contest in the league campaign, and that has driven us on, and that level of competition really helped motivate us.
“I think we have reached another gear since then.”
It was a bumper crowd at Ilkeston Town’s New Manor Ground, and it was a slower-than-usual start for the Spireites.
The Ewes began strongly and looked to attack down both flanks in the opening phases.
Amy Nowell was called into action as Lily Skeldon looked through on goal, but the outstretched boot of the defender was crucial to poke the ball out for a corner.
More defending was required moments later as Laura Porritt produced two vital headers as Derby again probed for the opener.
It was heartbreak for Porritt when she fell awkwardly midway through the half and had to be taken off with an ankle injury, prematurely ending her cup final.
Megan Wylde, deputising for the injured Paige Johnson, was the busier of the two shot-stoppers in the first half, though she cut a confident figure throughout.
There were half-chances for Sophie Bain and Jess Waplington as the half drew to a close, but it remained goalless.
After the break, Chesterfield sprang into life.
Waplington struck a sweet volley, but it flew narrowly over the bar.
Substitute Sophie Gordon had a chance moments after coming on; however, her effort was always rising.
Gordon was again bearing down on goal until Ellie Flanagan raced off her line and produced a crunching challenge to thwart the fullback.
With ten minutes remaining, the game looked destined for penalties.
Until, with four minutes remaining, top scorer Carter broke the deadlock, meeting Chloe Foster’s perfectly weighted pass and finishing clinically at the near post.
It was a nervy ending as Derby pressed for an equaliser, but it wasn’t forthcoming, and the Spireites lifted the County Cup for a second year in a row.
It caps a remarkable season for Pete Jarvis’ side, who now step up to the FA Women’s National League Midlands Division One as of next season.
