Overall- After playing the two best sides in the league all the players from Chesterfield Girls Centre of Excellence left Bedfordshire with the heads held high following some extremely competitive games against superb opposition.

Centre director Stewart Rowley pointed to the fact that both Ipswich and Rushden have benefited from playing weekly fixtures "This was certainly a series of games which highlighted the improvement to be gained by playing for a Centre of Excellence which results in regular fixtures against elite players, Ipswich and Rushden played excellent football and like ourselves look to develop players rather than being driven by gaining results. This was underlined in the under 14 game against Rushden when both clubs fielded a total of 5 under 12 players who were ready to be play at a higher level. Our mission must be to go weekly next season thus competing on a level playing field against the likes of Rushden and Ipswich and it is no coincidence that several of their players are now involved in England trials, and coaching camps. Considering that this season we were disadvantaged by only playing a quarter of the fixtures enjoyed by the opposition all of our players were tremendous on the day and left Bedfordshire with their heads held high"

Under 16 reports

Ipswich Town 3-3 Chesterfield F.C

Due to torrential rain the match had to be played on a wet windy artificial pitch on which both teams in the early stages struggled to keep possession.

The Blues took the lead after 10 minutes; Emma Wilkinson made a powerful run down the right flank then pulled the ball back for Sioban Wood to tap in from short range.

Chesterfield doubled their lead five minutes later when Wilkinson was fouled in the area. Emily Simpkins made no mistake from the spot kick drilling the ball low inside the keeper's right hand post.

Ipswich fought their way back into the game but were denied by some fine saves from Laura Allcock.

The pressure from Ipswich finally paid dividends when Allcock made a thrilling point blank save from Smith,

Chesterfield scored a third ten minutes into the second period, Catherine Davie made a splendid run down the right channel and then cut the ball back for Sioban Wood to side foot the ball into the goal.

Chesterfield paid the price for some sloppy defending in the last ten minutes conceding two late goals which sent Ipswich home with a share of the spoils.

Rushden 3-3 Chesterfield

Chesterfield made three changes for the second game bringing in striker Kirsty Gibson, defender Sarah Loftus, and midfielder Grace Whittaker.

The wind had now dried out the pitches sufficiently to allow the game to be played on grass much to relief of both sides who had earlier both played Ipswich on the fast running artificial surface made more difficult with the windy conditions.

Rushden were the brighter team in the first15 minutes and shook the visitors with two early goals. The goals inspired Chesterfield to play there best football of the day and the defecit was reduced when striker Kirsty Gibson side footed the ball home following an excellent cross from the impressive right midfielder Wood

The two players combined minutes later this time Gibson picked up the ball half way in the opponents half turned her defender with a piece of excellent skill, then delivered a precise pass into the path of Wood whose first time shot across the keeper from the right flank flew inches over the cross bar..

Into the second period the hosts made it 3-1 against the run of play.

Chesterfield continued to work hard and again it was the Blues impressive striker Gibson who pounced on a mistake from the Rushden defender and smashed the ball home from short range.

With seconds remaining on the clock the visitors resilience was underlined when Catherine Davie pounced on a clearance from 25 yards out and drilled a magnificent 25 yard shot into the far corner of the goal to provide a deserved draw for the hard working Blues.

Player of the tournament- Siobon Wood

Under 14 reports

Chesterfield's under 14 squad was decimated by injuries to key players Amy Gavuzzi, Nicola Dale, and Kirsty Richards. Goalkeeper Helen Greenlaugh was unable to attend the match and therefore with Amy Paige absent with a long term injury Chesterfield were without a regular keeper and despite heroics from stand in Katie McBride the visitors were up against it for most of the matches.

Highlights of the day were some great defending by under 12 Eleanor Clarke, April Bingham's thrilling runs down the right and the debut against Rushden in the last period for the young under 12 keeper Brioney Dove.

Brioney made an immediate impact on the game with a series of top class saves the best being a stinging shot which she pushed onto the cross bar and then displayed tremendous bravery diving at the feet of the home striker.

Centre Director Stewart Rowley and manager Andrew Eastwood were proud of the under 14 Girls who worked tirelessly with conditions and events stacked against them.

Under 12 reports

Ipswich U12  1-1 Chesterfield U12

Rushden U12 1-0 Chesterfield U12

Some great performances from our under 12's who competed in tremendous fashion against such strong opposition.

Brioney Dove was again outstanding in goal supported at he back by Amy Bolton, and Phillippa Cassidy who were outstanding with the latter contributing to the attack with a succession of strong, mazy runs which almost resulted in a goal.

Paige Collins strong pace was a positive factor on the day and the energetic striker deserved her goal.

Emily Montgomery the youngest member of the squad also had a tremendous tournament however Head Coach Selwyn Marston was pleased with all the players who were all considered to be excellent on the day.