Micky Barron's Youth Team fell to a slender 2-1 defeat at Chesterfield on Saturday after an entertaining game which was eventually decided by a penalty.

Both sides tried to play the game the right way and as a result both created plenty of chances through deliveries in to the box and incisive build-up play.

Pools made the brighter start and settled quickly in to their passing game, causing their hosts numerous problems down the flanks which eventually paid off with the opening goal.

Jordan Richards picked up the ball on the edge of the Chesterfield area and drilled a shot out of the reach of the keeper and in to the corner of the net.

However, Pools could not hold on to their advantage through to the break and were caught out at a set-piece and they went in all-square at half time.

Billy Blackford came close to restoring the lead just after the restart but saw his shot saved, and then the Pools winger turned provider with a superb pass for Callum Martin but he was also denied by the Chesterfield keeper.

Paul Johnson and then Blackford again both tested the stubborn home keeper again as Barron's men searched for a decisive goal.

But it wasn't to be and after a chaotic scramble inside the Pools box the referee picked out a handball and pointed to the spot - with Chesterfield ensuring the points by converting the penalty.

"Overall I was pleased by the display from the lads," Barron commented.

"I think that a draw would probably have been a fair result really but I can't fault the players for the way they went about the game.

"It was an enjoyable match with both sides showing they can get the ball down and play football - it was just a shame we ended on the wrong end of a penalty decision."

Full Time: Chesterfield 2 Pools 1

Pools: Thomas, Pearson, Dukes, Richards, P Johnson, Mellish, Martin, Liddle, Mason, D Johnson (Dodds), Blackford (Selby).
Subs not used: Rowbotham, Herbert.