Chesterfield 2

Kidderminster Harriers 1

(After Extra Time)

Chesterfield came from behind to earn a place in the next round of the Midland Youth Cup in yet another dramatic cup fixture. 

After making hardwork of their first round victory in the Alliance Cup just ten days previous, it seemed that the Spireites would have wanted anything but a repeat performance…that wasn't to be the case.

Ben Watkis went directly into the starting line up in place of the injured Josh Wright, who now faces a lengthy spot on the sideline. Impressive in pre season, Chris Tingay was expected to be a key feature in Dave Bentley's side, but a recurring tendonitis problem has meant the defender hasn't featured in any competitive football since, but was named amongst the substitutes.

Chesterfield started the match brightly and were soon creating early chances that could have seen the Spireites take a much deserved lead.

Jimmy Adcock was proving to be a real handful for the visitors, as his attacking runs seemed to fool Kidderminster at every attempt, but the winger's finishing wasn't to troublesome.

With the visitors allowing Chesterfield to attack frequently, it was no surprise then that Tendayi Darikwa and Sam Smith, who didn't need to be told twice, pushed forward and used their attacking flair to open up the Kidderminster team.

Despite scoring after just 40 seconds last week with his dominating presence, Jordan Burrow couldn't quite direct his header on target after Jake Handbury's cross on 22 minutes.

Watkis almost marked his return to the starting eleven with a goal after a brace of chances narrowly missed the target.

However, Chesterfield were punished for their inability to find the back of the net minutes before the half time whistle.

Kidderminster's strategic plan of catching the Spireites on the break paid off, when another failed Chesterfield attack was cleared which set up the Harrier's top goalscorer Sam Woodhouse to superbly execute against the run of the play.

Chesterfield remained positive as they desperately searched for an equaliser -and a way back into the match- but the visitors now had the confidence to attack more often and were looking more and more dangerous with each assault.

Scott Webb had to be on fine form to deny the visitors from doubling their lead just ten minutes after the re start. A cleared Kidderminster corner was pumped back into the box and was meet with an aggressive volley, which Webb reacted brilliantly to.

Smith came close with a trio of efforts that tested the dedication of the Kidderminster number one.

With Chesterfield struggling to find any fluency throughout the team, Bentley made a rare change and introduced three attacking minded players into the game in a last ditch plan to rescue the match.

The triple substitution brought Jordan Edridge, Chris Tingay and Jacob Hazel into the match and immediately lifted the side.

Frustration was starting to become the Spireites worst enemy as time went on, with passes going astray and idle defending forcing Webb into another fantastic save.

With just eight minutes remaining and after numerous attempts, Chesterfield finally broke level from a well worked set piece. Craig Clay's flicked on header from a corner, beat the goalkeeper and gifted Matt Needham the chance to tie the game.

With the match looking set to go into extra time, the visitors almost shattered Chesterfield's comeback when the Harrier's striker took on goal scorer Needham and hit a ferocious strike, but a fully stretched Webb was more than equal to deny a goal.

FULLTIME 1-1

A quick change around along with some motivational words from both sets of managers and the extra 30 minutes were underway.

Fitness between the two sides was beginning to show, with Chesterfield starting to run Kidderminster ragged.

A penalty box scramble, initiated from a long Ryan Granger throw, almost made Darikwa the man of the moment, but somehow the visitors survived.

It was apparent that Kidderminster were holding out for penalties as with every wasted Chesterfield effort, celebrations were heard.

Young Hazel must have thought his debut couldn't have gone any better when he appeared to have put the ball in the goal, again from a Granger throw, but was ruled out due to offside.

Everyone throughout the team was trying their luck at goal, with Burrow, Clay and Hazel coming closest.

Darikwa made up for his earlier missed opportunity and did become the man of the moment 23 minutes into extra time. His half volley from the edge of the box beat the Kidderminster goalkeeper to bring the score line full circle, much to the delight of the Saltergate crowd.

Chesterfield held their nerve in the closing stages to secure victory and a place in round two.

Chesterfield (4-4-2): Webb, Handbury (Tingay 69), Granger, Clay, Needham, Moller, Smith (Edridge 69), Adcock, Darikwa, Watkis (Hazel 69), Burrow

Subs Not Used: Beaglehole, Palmer

Goals: Needham 82, Darikwa 113

Report by Adam Hulme, the Spireites youth team reporter

Match highlights and after-match re-action coming soon for Spireites Player subscribers