Skip to main content

Chesterfield U18 v Bradford City U18

11am  10 February 2018

EFL Youth Alliance, North East
Chesterfield U18 5 Bradford City U18 1 (att 53)

Chesterfield never seem to settle on a youth team ground for long, and this season most games are at St George's Park Sheffield Graves, one of a trio of St George's Park-branded football centres in Sheffield.

I think the Sheffield venues are a pilot which will hopefully lead to similar facilities, part-funded by the FA and named after its national football centre, appearing across England. There are a pair of 3G pitches at Graves, beyond which is 'pitch three', with a grass surface and home to Chesterfield's youngsters.

Considering the recent weather the pitch was a good condition, although one of the 3G pitches had been reserved as a back up in case it was unfit. As is the custom at these games, spectators lined one side of the pitch, with the 3G pitches to our backs, while substitutes and coaches were along the far touchline.

Being buffeted by a very cold rain-carrying wind for 90 minutes made it an uncomfortable watch, even more so for those supporting Bradford City, who were woeful at the start and found themselves 4-0 inside 20 minutes.

They got a goal back from the penalty spot before half time, and the loss of just one second half goal gave the scoreline a more respectable look than it might have done, as Chesterfield spurned chances to add more to their tally.








Comments