Northampton - Chesterfield F.C Girls Centre of Excellence first taste of league football was a tremendous success with all 3 teams having a slight edge over their Northampton rivals in a series of matches played at Daventry on Saturday morning.

Under 16's

The visitors playing as a team for the very first time were understandably a little hesitant and nervy in the early stages.

However most of the good play came from chesterfield wide midfielders Gemma Plumb operating on the left and Siobhan Wood (right) whose accurate crossing provided a host of near misses. Rather against the run of play some poor defending led to a goal for the cobblers who could hardly miss a short range goalscoring opportunity. This provoked the visitors into stepping up the tempo and it was no surprise when captain Emily Simpkins drove a fierce shot from the edge of the box which soared into the roof of the net.

Northampton restored their lead just after half time but again chesterfield fought back with new signing Grace Whittaker and Emily Simpkins taking a firm grip of the centre midfield. On 75 minutes the inspirational Simpkins lofted her corner onto the far post allowing striker Lisa Jones to head the ball gleefully into the net.The Spireite's now in full flow grabbed a deserved winner when Gemma Plumb drove home from short range to wrap up an impressive team performance.

The U16's celebrate a fine win

U14's Match Report

1^ST Period (Northampton 1   v   Chesterfield 3)

Chesterfield were soon in the driving seat thanks to early goals from Amy Gavuzzi, Mollie Brennan and April Bingham. Most of Chesterfield's build up play developed from the right flank. The defence was outstanding with Kirsty Richards and Emma Crump on top form. Goalkeeper Helen Greenhaigh played her part by making some brave saves at the feet of the home strikers.

2^nd  Period (Northampton 4   v   Chesterfield 4)

Despite leaking 3 goals, Chesterfield mid-field dynamo Nicole Dale was winning every ball and playing with such confidence highlighted by a succession of tight turns and good distribution of the ball. Nicole underlined her performance hitting a sweet volley into the top far corner of the net.

3^rd  Period (Northampton 5   v   Chesterfield 5)

Strikers Amy Gavuzzi and Mollie Brennan worked well as a unit and April Bingham's dashing runs on the right caused Northampton problems. Gavuzzi put Chesterfield back into the lead only for Northampton to fire home a quick reply. Chesterfield finished the final period the fitter team with the final 20 minutes being played in their opponents half of the field. Amber Wildgust in central defence was composed and comfortable on the ball denying Northampton any chances.

Summary.

An encouraging performance in a competitive match where Chesterfield improved as the game went on, providing great forward passing moves, off the ball running and support play. Goalkeeper Helen Greenhaigh was named by the visitors as the player of the match.

Under 12

Northampton v Chesterfield

The under 12's played three phases of 9 a side winning the first and last period 2-0 and 1-0 in between a 4-0 reverse with three goals arriving in as many minutes.

Missing the services of the regular keeper Phillippa Cassidy took the gloves and had a magnificent game using her outfield skills to good effect and providing the opening goal with a free kick from the half way line.

Amy Bolton pictured right was outstanding in midfield with Kayliegh Underwood well on top at the back.

Chesterfield boss Stewart Rowley was rightly impressed with the squads efforts " All of our players were magnificent on the day and can be rightly proud of representing chesterfield with such quality and endeavour. The matches were played at a much higher tempo than the girls are used to but they adjusted quickly and it was noticeable that all our teams improved in the later stages of the games"