With just two games left in the season, Barlborough and Chesterfield Panthers faced off in a crucial mid-table battle, both determined to claim fourth place. The stakes were high, and the young players delivered a thrilling contest packed with energy, determination, and moments of brilliance.

From the opening whistle, both teams looked eager to take control. Chesterfield started brightly, moving the ball well and dominating early possession. However, Barlborough’s defence stood strong, absorbing the pressure. Controversy struck early on when a questionable offside decision led to Panthers conceding the first goal, putting them 1-0 down.

Undeterred, Chesterfield responded quickly. A swift counterattack saw Isaac slot the ball home, levelling the score at 1-1—game on. But Barlborough hit back almost immediately, regaining the lead with a well-taken goal.

The Panthers refused to back down and turned up the pressure. For the next ten minutes, they dominated play, forcing a series of corners, expertly delivered by Albi. One of these set-pieces paid off as Oakie rose highest to nod in a brilliant header, making it 2-2. Just minutes later, Isaac doubled his tally, coolly finishing to give Chesterfield a 3-2 lead.

However, Barlborough responded with resilience, using their physicality and long balls to their advantage. They quickly found an equaliser to make it 3-3 before piling on the pressure. Just five minutes before the break, they broke through again to regain the lead at 4-3 going into halftime.

Second Half

The second half was a fierce contest, with both sides battling hard across the pitch. The game remained tight, with strong defensive displays and determined midfield battles. Oli T’s performance stood out, earning him the Referee’s Player of the Match, while Evan’s tireless efforts saw him pick up the Manager’s Award.

Despite their best efforts, the Panthers couldn’t find the crucial equaliser, and Barlborough held on for a narrow victory in a game that showcased the skill, passion, and determination of both teams.

Final Score: Barlborough 4-3 Chesterfield Panthers

With just one game left a 4th place decider is set, Chesterfield will look to bounce back and finish the season on a high just needing a draw to secure 4th place whilst Barlborough will be looking for 3 points to take them into 4th.