After what seems like more than a handful of failed attempts, financial losses by the club due to unused supporter coaches after last-minute decisions to call off previous matches, emergency meetings to check rules, and a presentation night getting in the way, the Abacus Lighting Floodlit Cup finally went ahead under the late evening spring sunshine.
Dinnington Town went head-to-head against Chesterfield Youth at Alfreton Town’s Impact Arena Stadium, ending one of the most protracted sagas of staging a cup final known in footballing circles.
The anticipation was palpable as the two teams took to the field, with Dinnington Town buoyed by the support of over 100 passionate fans who had made the journey to cheer on their side.
The atmosphere crackled with energy as the whistle blew to signal the start of what was hoped to be a thrilling encounter.
However, confusion clouded the proceedings early on, as the referee's decision to award a penalty to Chesterfield Youth left both teams and spectators scratching their heads.
It seemed even the Chesterfield Youth players were taken aback by the unexpected call with the referee trying to explain to them during the aftermath why he'd given them a penalty with not one single player appealing for one.
Nevertheless, Thomas Pawson stepped up to the spot and calmly slotted home, giving Chesterfield Youth the lead in the 26th minute.
But Dinnington Town refused to be deterred, and their persistence paid off in the 69th minute when Cory Glaves found the back of the net to restore parity.
The game hung in the balance as both teams pushed for a winner, each unable to break the deadlock as the clock ticked towards full time.
Then, with just six minutes remaining on the clock, James Simmonite seized the moment for Chesterfield Youth, breaking away on a swift counterattack and coolly slotting the ball past the outstretched arms of the Dinnington Town goalkeeper.
It was a goal that left the Dinnington faithful stunned and deflated, knowing that time was running out for their side to mount a comeback.
As desperation set in for Dinnington Town, they threw caution to the wind and committed men forward in search of an equaliser. But their boldness would ultimately prove their downfall, as Chesterfield Youth capitalised on the gaps left at the back to launch one final devastating counterattack in the dying moments of the game.
With the goal at his mercy, Leo King showed composure beyond his years, rounding Steven Booth in the Dinnington Town goal before calmly slotting the ball into the empty net to seal victory for Chesterfield Youth in the 96th minute.
In the end, it was a bitter pill to swallow for Dinnington Town, who had fought valiantly but ultimately fell short against a resolute Chesterfield Youth side.
Dinnington Town are next in action Saturday, 20th April, at home to Dearne & District in the Black Dragon Premier Division North. Kick-off is at 3:00pm.