York City 1 Chesterfield 3

Jordan Bowery's second half hat trick confirmed Chesterfield as League champions of the Puma Youth Alliance North East Conference on the last match of the season.

After a disappointing first half which could of seen the Spireites easily two goals down, they turned up the pressure in the second half with Tendayi Darikwa assisting Bowery three times to put the match out of York's reach.

Dave Bentley was without inform striker Adam Smith, who had scored two last weekend against Scunthorpe, and was replaced by under 16's attacker Jordan Burrow after picking up a virus.

From the kick off Chesterfield never really got out of the blocks with passes going astray and second balls not being won by a blue shirt.

Frustration was clear to see from the Spireite players as they knew just one more victory would secure League success but anything else could see rivals Hull City steal the title from underneath their noses.

It took Bentley's side 20 minutes to realise that they needed to shoot in order to score, when Craig Clay's tame effort was directed straight at the York goalkeeper, although it did show more movement throughout the team.

But it was the home side that looked more threatening when the Minstermen's right winger tried his luck with an audacious shot wide on the right, but his effort was comfortable for Matt Malak.

It was only last year that the youth team had a throw in expert in the form of Dan Gray, but Chris Tingay seems to share the same talent and put it to use in the 30th minute.

A long throw on the right picked out Jordan Burrow who turned and shot from close range but a deflection saw the striker earn a corner for the Spireites.

From the resulting corner Clay tussled with the tall York keeper in the hosts' box and was unlucky not to find a way through.

The way the match was heading, it was hard to believe that Chesterfield were unbeaten since January 3rd as York continued to cause the Spireites problems.

Malak came to Chesterfield's aid when the powerful goalkeeper bravely challenged a York attack, as he managed to poke the ball to safety he felt the full impact of the strikers boot.

The home side kept battling for the opener, but the Spireites held firm when Captain Richie Holmes was in the right place at the right time.

Malak was seen to be beaten as the ball dropped conveniently for the York right winger whose effort beat the stranded Malak, but Holmes threw his body in the way to prevent the Minstermen from taking the lead.

As that wasn't enough of a let off for the blues, York saw another glorious chance go begging when a close range effort was blazed miles over the bar.

As the first half whistle blew, Chesterfield knew they were unlucky not to go in at least two down at the break.

Half-Time 0-0

Dave Bentley made a change immediately at the start of the second period with Ryan Granger replacing Sam Clare at left back.

Now against the wind and with the worst first half performance by the Spireites this season, things were not looking good for Chesterfield. Despite this, it was Chesterfield who started the half well and within four minutes took the lead.

Tendayi Darikwa's quick counter attack caught the hosts' short at the back and played Jordan Bowery through with an inch perfect pass.

The striker, who hadn't had a sniff at goal all game, beat the goalkeeper to the tackle and walked the ball into an empty goal to give the Spireites the lead against the run of the game.

Bowery's goal seemed to kick start the blues as Darikwa began to play with more attacking flair and was unlucky not to feed Burrow through on goal moments later.

Ross Burns picked out Holmes in the hosts' area off an in swinging free kick, with the centre back picking out partner Sandy Moller who ended the attack with a header just inches wide.

Substitute Granger picked up a knock half way through the second period which resulted in the defender leave the field of play.

With Chesterfield down to just 10 players, York made advantage of their extra man and levelled the scores when a low drilled shot on the left which beat a full stretched Malak.

The game was always a physical battle but even more in the second period with Granger drawing blood and a York player needing to be stretched off the pitch.

To add to the wounded, Burrow took a knock and had to be replaced by youngster Ben Watkis on 70 minutes.

The tempo of the game slowed down, although there was no lack of commitment from either side.

There was a buzz in the crowd when Darikwa picked the ball up on the right after linking up with Tingay as he proceeded to run down the wing towards goal.

Darikwa pulled the ball back across to Bowery, who had anticipated the move, and hit the ball first time into the back of the net via a deflection.

Bentley used his last sub of the game to replace Burns with Sam Smith, in order to keep the Spireites from throwing the game away.

With just ten minutes left to play the hosts pushed on in hope to ruin Chesterfield's big day and almost did.

Holmes pulled off a magnificent tackle to deny, what seemed to be a one on one situation with Malak.

Malak was called into action twice in close successions when a drilled effort was saved well and a superb reaction save saw the Chesterfield number one push the ball over the bar.

With four minutes stoppage confirmed, nervous times laid ahead for both fans and players as Chesterfield looked to have run out of gas…until Bowery killed the game off with his third of the match.

Darikwa, again the provider, caught York on the back foot and slotted Bowery through on goal, whose clinical finish secured the League title in stoppage time.

The title is both credit to the players and the management team who after a mixed first half to the season, have been unbeaten in their last 11 matches.

This is the second Dave Bentley and team has brought the League Cup back to Saltergate in three seasons.

Chesterfield (4-4-2): Malak, Tingay, Clare (Granger 46), Clay, Holmes, Moller, Burrow (Watkis 70), Adcock, Darikwa, Bowery, Burns (S Smith 78) Subs Not Used: Needham, Webb

Afterwards, goal scoring hero Jordan Bowery was delighted with both the result and his first ever Spireite hat trick, "What better way to end your youth days, winning the league and scoring a hat trick. Credit goes to Tendayi as well because he set up all of my goals up today. It was also the first time I have managed to score a hat trick for Chesterfield, so this match will defiantly be one to remember."

"I think we deserved to be League champions after the season we've had. It's involved both up and downs but I think we have the best team in the league and now that's confirmed."

"Full credit goes to both Dave and Mark, who have been great to work under from day one and are great for the club".

The next big step for Bowery and co will be Monday when the second year scholars find out who have been lucky enough to earn themselves professional contracts at Saltergate.