14/06/2026
⚽️ Erewash Valley Make It Three in a Row at the Matt Stallan Tournament!! ⚽️
A fantastic day was had by all at the third annual Matt Stallan Tournament, brilliantly organised once again by Chesterfield Referee's Association at Staveley Miners Welfare.
The day was far more than just football, with a huge gala atmosphere throughout. Alongside the referee tournament, there was a Chesterfield Sunday League competition, activities for children and families, and even an Elvis tribute act providing entertainment throughout the afternoon. Most importantly, the event once again raised valuable funds for the Derbyshire Stroke Centre.
Seven teams entered this year’s referee tournament:
* Chesterfield RA First Team
* Chesterfield RA Academy
* Mansfield RA First Team
* Mansfield RA Development Team
* Rotherham RA
* Erewash Valley RA
* Friends of Matt Stallan
Despite arriving with what many considered a weakened squad on paper, Erewash Valley RA once again showed the heart, determination and togetherness that has become their trademark.
The returning squad featured goalkeeper Rhys Watkinson, captain Tom Viles, Ellis White, Owen Robinson and Ant Watkinson, all looking to secure a third successive title. They were joined by the returning Korben Mottram and academy scholar Ash Robinson, while lifelong supporter Dan Robinson once again cheered the team on throughout the day.
Group Stage
Erewash Valley RA 1-1 Mansfield RA First Team
Erewash opened their campaign against one of the tournament favourites. After falling behind to a well-worked Mansfield move, Erewash responded brilliantly. Ash Robinson picked up possession in midfield and drove forward before slipping a perfectly weighted pass through the defence. Ellis White timed his run to perfection before calmly slotting beyond the goalkeeper.
Ash Robinson’s energy, creativity and work rate earned him the Man of the Match award.
Erewash Valley RA 0-0 Friends of Matt Stallan
A tight and emotional encounter followed against the Friends of Matt Stallan side. Chances were few and far between, but when called upon Rhys Watkinson produced two outstanding saves, including a remarkable one-handed stop low to his right to preserve the clean sheet.
Rhys deservedly claimed Man of the Match.
Erewash Valley RA 3-0 Chesterfield RA First Team
Erewash really found their stride in game three.
The opener came when Owen Robinson won possession high up the pitch and crossed for Ellis White, who arrived at the back post to fire home.
Captain Tom Viles doubled the lead moments later. Spotting space ahead of him, he surged through midfield before unleashing a powerful strike from outside the area which flew into the bottom corner.
The third goal was perhaps the best team move of the game. A flowing passing sequence involving Mottram, Robinson and White ended with Ash Robinson finishing confidently from close range.
Erewash Valley RA 1-1 Chesterfield RA Academy
The younger Chesterfield side proved difficult opponents and took the lead midway through the game.
Erewash responded through Ash Robinson, who picked up the ball near the halfway line, skipped past two challenges and drove a low effort into the far corner to rescue a point.
Erewash Valley RA 1-0 Mansfield RA Development
A disciplined display secured another victory.
The decisive moment arrived when Tom Viles delivered a dangerous corner into the box. The ball bounced kindly for Ellis White, who reacted quickest to poke home from close range and secure all three points.
Erewash Valley RA 1-0 Rotherham RA
With qualification already secured, Erewash saved their best goal for last.
Korben Mottram received the ball just inside the Rotherham half and appeared to have little on. He beat one defender, skipped past another and then unleashed an outrageous strike from nearly 30 yards which crashed in off the underside of the crossbar, leaving players and spectators stunned.
It was undoubtedly one of the goals of the tournament.
Erewash finished the league stage unbeaten and comfortably secured their place in the knockout rounds.
Semi-Final
Erewash Valley RA 1-0 Rotherham RA
A hard-fought semi-final saw Erewash once again face Rotherham.
The breakthrough came in bizarre fashion. Ant Watkinson battled for a loose ball and accidentally bundled into the Rotherham goalkeeper. The loose ball broke out towards Rhys Watkinson, who spotted the goalkeeper stranded off his line and launched an audacious effort from distance which sailed into the empty net.
The goal proved enough to send Erewash into a third consecutive final.
Final
Erewash Valley RA 0-0 Mansfield RA First Team
The final was a tense affair between the tournament’s two unbeaten sides.
Both teams created chances, but neither could find a breakthrough. Rhys Watkinson produced another fine save late on, while Ellis White came closest for Erewash with a volley that flashed narrowly wide.
The title would be decided by penalties.
Penalty Shootout
* Rhys Watkinson saved Mansfield’s opening penalty.
* Rhys then stepped up himself and confidently converted Erewash’s first kick.
* Mansfield scored their second penalty.
* Ellis White calmly dispatched Erewash’s second spot-kick.
* With Mansfield needing to score to stay alive, Rhys Watkinson produced one final save to spark wild celebrations.
Erewash Valley RA were champions once again, making it three tournament victories in a row.
Individual Awards
The team success was reflected in the individual awards handed out at the end of the day.
A huge congratulations goes to Rhys Watkinson, who was named Player of the Tournament for the third consecutive year. Rhys was once again instrumental in Erewash’s success, producing crucial saves throughout the day, scoring in the shootout, netting the winning goal in the semi-final and making the decisive save in the final. Three tournaments, three Player of the Tournament awards – an incredible achievement.
Rhys also finished the competition as the tournament’s Top Assist Provider, underlining his influence at both ends of the pitch.
The award for Goal of the Tournament deservedly went to Korben Mottram for his sensational strike against Rotherham in the final group game. The audacious effort from distance that thundered in off the underside of the crossbar was a moment of pure quality and one of the standout moments of the day.
Most Improved Player was awarded to Tom Viles. The Erewash captain led by example throughout the tournament, contributing with a goal, assists and outstanding leadership as he guided the side to another title.
A special mention also goes to Ant Watkinson, who received a Highly Commended Award. Ant’s commitment, determination and tireless work rate throughout the day epitomised everything that makes this Erewash side so successful.
Thank You
A huge thank you must go to Chesterfield RA for organising another outstanding event, to all the teams who took part, the volunteers who helped throughout the day, and everyone who attended and supported the cause.
Most importantly, thank you to everybody who contributed towards raising money for the Derbyshire Stroke Centre.
Another fantastic day, another fantastic cause, and another trophy heading back to Erewash Valley RA.
Champions for the third year running. Undefeated. History made.
⚽️⚽️⚽️
