For my Easter football I travelled locally to watch Chesterfield, at the pinnacle of Non-League Football (As National League Champions), play at home to relegation challenged Kidderminster.
I parked at the far end of Stand Park and took a leisurely walk to the ground in light drizzle with a grey sky overhead. I had heard on the radio driving in that nearby Mansfield’s game at home to Accrington Stanley had just been postponed after a morning deluge. Too late to stop the Accrington team whose manager along with their hosts wanted to play but the referee had deemed it unplayable and dangerous.
Chesterfield’s Stadium is one of the best new grounds which although showing its concrete construction on the outside has four separate all seater stands that give a more iconic feel. With a capacity of 10600 and a strong fan base these facilities and the town deserve to have re-joined the Football League family. The success of the facilities have been rewarded in the past with England Under 19 matches. The old Saltergate, now a housing complex, is remembered fondly for past highlights and atmosphere. but was not fit for the modern world.
After a coffee and watching the end of the early kick off on the monitors I was surprised to find that the sun was out and the sky was bright blue with some fluffy white clouds.
The very flat grass pitch was sanded in the goalmouths and a few other areas.
Chesterfield formed in 1866 claim to be the 4th oldest league club still in existence. A chequered history of league status and liquidation led to their reincarnation when they re-joined the football league in 1921. They have been up and down the leagues in their history but reached a low point in 2018 being relegated to the National League. Off the field problems were resolved by a take over in 2020 by a Community Trust who with great local support have steered the club to a new era of major ownership by local Paul and Ashley Kirk.
Kidderminster were founded in 1886 playing in the newly formed Birmingham and District League. Always a strong midlands non-league team they won the FA Trophy in 1987 and made it to the Football League for 5 seasons in 2000. They dropped down to the National league North but came back to the Premier Division in 2023.
Chesterfield FC 1 Kidderminster Harriers 3
Monday 1st April National League; 15.00 pm kick off.
SMH Group Stadium, 1866 Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, S41 8NZ
1st v 22nd Spireites v The Reds
Chesterfield: Royal Blue shirts and white shorts, Kidderminster: Red shirts with white front, red shorts.
The Kidderminster team and the officials provided a guard of honour to welcome the newly crowned national League Champions onto the pitch.
The 338 Kidderminster fans were in good voice to start the game and apart from one great save by the Kidderminster keeper it was no surprise when they took the lead as early as 7 minutes. The ball fell to Ashley Hemmings who hit it first time across the home defence and goalkeeper to see it nestle into the far corner of the net.
Kidderminster took control of the game, first to the ball, strong in the tackle, harrying all over the pitch they were a team determined to stay ahead. With 30 minutes gone it all went wrong for them when a cross in from the right was met by Matt Preston who instead of clearing the ball he sliced his kick which went over his head and into the roof of the net for Chesterfield’s equaliser.
Chesterfield now had a period of domination, but apart from forcing a brilliant save down to his right by Dibble, who managed to palm out the deflected shot, they lacked any clear cut chances.
Kidderminster came out in the second half with a new intensity with Zak Brown slotting the ball between Chesterfield keeper’s legs after the rebound from Boot’s initial save with only 3 minutes gone. Kidderminster’s forceful play reaped further rewards when on 56 minutes a ball was cleared only to Matt Preston just outside the goal area and he drilled it along the ground into the net via the righthand post. Redemption for Preston’s previous own goal and a lead not to be given up.
After Banks came on for Chesterfield with 30 minutes left he did manage to distribute the ball more effectively and into more attacking positions but Kidderminster’s resolve was not tested. They went away with the three points but did not get out of the drop zone. With other teams having played less games around them they need to win all of their three remaining matches to have a chance of survival. If the team and the supporters have any say they might just do it.
As for Chesterfield I can only surmise at their poor showing. Having been crowned champions so early they have little to play for, they have celebrated too hard, they have seen the retained list or they feel they are already on the beach.
The crowd of 8337 turned up looking towards next year, I hope the enthusiasm does not wane with some late indifferent shows.
Unfortunately no chips at Chesterfield but I did try the steak and ale pie which was deep, filled with large chunks of meat and thick gravy, as well as being tasty.
Payonthegate 