BROUGH v THE SPIREITES

They say that when it comes to the FA Cup. fans of the clubs from lower leagues don't dream of reaching the Wembley final - too unrealistic - but do dream of being drawn away to a top side and visiting one of the iconic grounds like Old Trafford or Anfield. 

But for fans of the third tier club, Second Division, Chesterfield (known as the Spireites-see below), on 13th April 1997 saw them play at one of those iconic grounds with the dream of a Wembley final almost coming true. Chesterfield reached the semi-final of the FA Cup and were up against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford. 

The badge shows the Chesterfield Church spire!

The match was a classic. Middlesbrough had a player sent off in a goalless first half. Chesterfield took a 2-0 second half lead before Middlesbrough pulled one back. Then a major controversy, A Chesterfield shot hit the underside of the crossbar and appeared to cross the line - but it was disallowed. Instead of being 3-1 down Middlesbrough made it 2-2 with a penalty and took a 3-2 lead in injury time. Chesterfield then scored in the last minute to draw 3-3. Sadly though Chesterfield were well beaten: 3-0 in the replay at Hillsborough and that particular dream was over.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vZHCqRQT8k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDEf5C-979k, 

Have a look for some celebs in these videos: David Elleray, Sean Dyche, AND  Juninho from Sao Paulo (1993-5), (at Borough 1995-7, 1999-2000, 2002-04) (at Celtic 2004-5), Palmeiras 2005-6, Sydney Australia 2007-8. He also played for Sao Paulo 1993-5, Atletico Madrid 1997-9.in Brazil 2000-2 for Vasco da Gama, Flamengo. 

TOTAL APPS: 353 GOALS: 73   Internationals for Brazil 49 apps/5goals

NOW Chesterfield FC, The Spireites, played one round in the League Cup this season, losing to Stockport County (The Mad Hatters-you know why) 2-4.

In the FA Cup they beat Bury 1-0 (rd1), Scarborough 2-0 (rd2), Bristol City 2-0 (rd3), Bolton W a 3-2 (rd4), Nottm Forest 1-0 (rd5). Wrexham 1-0 (rd6), Semi-Final 3-3 at Old Trafford and in the replay losing 0-3 at Hillsborough.

Auto Windscreens Trophy (Football League Trophy)-lost 0-2 to Preston  Rd 1.

1996/7 Div 2: BORO played 46 league games: W18 D14 L21: F42 A39 =10th 

REMARKABLE: In the season Chesterfield scored 3 goals or more 4 times. One of these v Middlesbrough (see above, a 3-3 draw) and 4 goals against Wycombe W in the league. They scored 3 against Bolton W and Plymouth A.