14 man Panthers lose out by a single point

Panthers travelled to table toppers Sleaford looking for their second win of the league campaign.

After a string of recent injuries Chesterfield were finally able to field a strong pack but had to shuffle around the back-line.

Sleaford began the game stronger, once again Panthers were slow to react and Sleaford enjoyed the early period of possession, only having a missed penalty to show for their efforts.

15 minutes in Panthers lost flanker Matt Nesbit to a rather harsh red card after being judged to have dangerously tipped a Sleaford forward during a tackle.

Sleaford capitalised quickly on this dismissal with a counterattack down the wing stretching Chesterfield's defence allowing Sleaford's fullback to touch down unapposed.

Chesterfield continued to snooze in defence and after an error at the restart Sleaford attacked quickly down the wing to score again wide out. Panthers were now in danger of capitulating, but credit to Panthers will they began to put phases together putting Sleaford on the backfoot. After several penalties gave panthers good field position a quick tap penalty by scrum-half Eric Wright took the ball close to the line allowing Luke Holt to crash over for Panthers first try. Chris Ward added the conversion that brought an end to the first half.

After encouraging words from coach Derrick Sherlock at half time Chesterfield knew they were well in the game, however Panthers stretched defence was further tested immediately after the restart and Sleaford were able to nip in for try number three.

It was Chesterfield's turn to enjoy a long period of possession, securing ball at every set piece despite being a man down in the forwards. Rob Collins broke superbly from a scrum offloading to centre Adam Miles Who ran in 30 metres to score Panthers second try.

After further phases from Rob Davison, Paul Jones and Like Holt a break by winger Phil Cawthorne took Panthers close to the line and once agin Luke Holt drove over from close range to score his second try out wide. Chris Ward added the conversion to pull Panthers within 5 points of Sleaford.

After some scrappy phases from both sides Chesterfield moved forward with Chris Ward breaking through the back line offloading to Rob Collins who scored under the posts. Once again centre Chris Ward slotted the conversion to put Chesterfield 2 points ahead with only minutes remaining.

After a spirited performance Chesterfield were left defending both their 22 and their lead, yet it was Sleaford who were to come up trumps after Chesterfield conceded a penalty in the red zone. The Sleaford goal kicker duly stepped up and slotted the penalty with the last kick of the game.

Although Chesterfield had missed out on the win they still collected two valuable bonus points. Coach Derrick Sherlock praised Panthers spirit in playing the better rugby despite being one man down. He singled out Paul Jones as man of the match citing his tireless tackling, energy and leadership during the match.

Sleaford 27 Chesterfield 26

Tries: Luke Holt 2, Adam Miles, Rob Collins

Conversions: Chris Ward 3

Chesterfield Panthers: Paul Jones, Rob Davison, Steve Allen, Alex Allen, Jamie Barnett, Matt Nesbit, Chris Brailsford, Luke Holt, Eric Wright, Rob Collins, Tye Rose, Adam Miles, Chris Ward, Steve Avenier, Phil Cawthorne

Subs: Grant Teagle, Joe Walton, Chris Windle