A rocket from Suzie Gelson provided Chesterfield Girls Centre of Excellence with a deserved draw away against MK Dons as the girls made history by playing in the last fixture at the National Hockey stadium.

The match was part of the town's 40^th birthday celebrations which coincide with the clubs move to the new Denbigh stadium.The players were excited about playing in a real stadium and waited nervously in the tunnel. To great applause from the good sized crowd they lined up on the pitch and shook hands before standing for the national anthem

 With the preliminaries' out of the way both teams settled down and began to play some good football.

The first period saw both sides create very little goal scoring chances as most of the football was played in the middle of the park. Any half chance MK Dons had were dealt with by Chesterfield's strong back four of Lauren Jubb, Emma Crump, Jade Boulton, Laura O'Neil and of course the formidable goalkeeper of Paulette Spencer. Chesterfield's best chance came part way through the first period when Hannah Dutton collected the ball on the edge of the box and hit a wonderful strike; it had the keeper beat, but veered the wrong side of the upright. After all the hard work and against the run of play a mistake at the back gifted MK Dons a goal which was to be the last kick of the first half.

The second period saw Chesterfield put on a much better performance as they quickened the tempo and began to pass the ball around. For all Chesterfield's pressure they were struggling to find an equaliser, Ruby burns worked hard in midfield but for all their dominance were reduced  to long range shooting with Amber Wildgust's shot being tipped over the bar. Tactical changes were made with Emma Crump joining Burns in a mid-field role. With 10 minutes remaining the hard working Suzie Gelson ran the ball down the right flank cut inside, played a one two with Emma Crump then unleashed a rocket shot which found the far bottom corner of the MK Dons goal. In the final minutes Chesterfield were pushing for the winner but time was called and the result ended 1-1 which on reflection was a fair result as both teams can hold there heads high and know that they all contributed to a terrific game of football.

The Centre would like to remind interested Girls in Derbyshire that they can obtain a place at the Centre by taking part in the trials currently being held for next season.

Trials will take place at   Brookfield School, Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield S40 3NS 6.30pm-8.30pm on the following dates

July 9th, 12th, 16th and 17th 2007

Should you require any further information you can contact the Centre Welfare Officer Carol Eastwood on 0796 3820612. Or Centre Manager Stewart Rowley 0772 0889661