The Spireites won their final pre-season friendly, beating Grimsby Town 2-1 at the Technique Stadium, following a brace from Liam Mandeville.
The Blues got off to the perfect start with a superb finish from Liam Mandeville, who found space 25 yards out from goal and fired a thunderbolt into the top corner.
In the 20th minute, the Spireites doubled their lead, after Danny Rowe dinked the ball over the top of the Grimsby defence to find the run of Mandeville, who took one touch down before firing home his second of the game.Â
Jeff King then went close again for the Spireites with a shot from the right-hand side of the area, after some great work from Saidou Khan in midfield.
Grimsby grew into the game from then on and got a goal back in the 33rd minute, after a shot from the edge of the area by Erico Sousa took a huge deflection off Jamie Grimes and ended up in the back of the net.Â
Seconds later, Grimsby nearly got their equaliser but were denied by a great block from Laurence Maguire, after Giles Coke found himself free to shoot on the penalty spot.
Calvin Miller went close to restoring the Spireites’ two-goal lead, after his effort from the edge of the area whistled past the post just before the half time whistle.
There was just one change at half time, with Jack Clarke replacing Khan.
Grimsby started the second half well, with Scott Loach being forced into an early save down low to his right. Seconds later, Coke fired an effort from the edge of the area which smashed off the bar.
A misplaced pass from King provided Grimsby with another opportunity, allowing Will Bapaga space to shoot at goal but his effort was well matched by Loach.
In the 70th minute, Clarke nearly slipped Mandeville through on goal again, but his pass was cut out.
Nathan Tyson’s introduction caused Grimsby problems, with the striker using his pace to get in behind on several occasions, despite not adding to the tally.
The Spireites comfortably held out to win their final pre-season fixture ahead of next Saturday’s opening day league clash at Aldershot Town.
Starting XI – Loach, Miller (Whittle), Maguire, Grimes, Kerr (Trialist), King (Carline), Weston, Khan (Clarke), Mandeville, Rowe, Payne (McCourt).
Unused sub – Minter.
