Ched Evans’ first-half strike meant that Chesterfield suffered a 1-0 opening-day defeat to Fleetwood Town at the SMH Group Stadium.
In what was a carbon copy of last week’s Carabao Cup defeat in terms of scoreline and goalscorer, it has been a difficult start to the campaign for this new-look Spireites side.
Paul Cook named an unchanged team for today’s game, with the Spireites eager to see a reversal in fortunes after last Saturday’s loss to The Cods.
After a busy summer in the transfer window, today saw five new signings earn a first Sky Bet League Two starting berth for Chesterfield.
And it was one of the new recruits who injected early signs of promise into the game as Josh Koroma proved to be a tricky customer for Raff Cirino in the opening minutes.
The game’s first big chance, however, fell to the visitors when Evans flashed his strike wide from the edge of the six-yard box.
Chesterfield replied in turn with a chance of their own, but somehow it stayed 0-0 as Lewis Gordon, Dilan Markanday and Lee Bonis all snatched at their opportunities.
Ruel Sotiriou was the next with a sight of goal as the game ticked past the 20-minute mark; once again, however, it failed to trouble Jay Lynch between the sticks.
Koroma again threatened; this time he found Bonis, but the Northern Irish forward’s effort skidded past the far post.
Bonis had another sight of goal, this one his best yet, though he couldn’t direct his header goalwards from point-blank range.
Chesterfield was then made to pay with the next attack as Evans gave the visitors a 35th-minute lead.
The former Spireite saw Ryan Boot off his line and lashed a half volley past him from 25 yards out.
Boot was involved once more; this time, he made himself big to thwart Lewis McCann, who bore down on goal.
It was a slow start to the second period as Fleetwood attempted to slow the pace down at any opportunity, much to the frustration of the home support.
Chesterfield continually struggled to break down the opposition’s rearguard, so midway through the half Paul Cook turned to his bench.
It was almost an immediate impact, but Markanday’s dangerous cross was narrowly behind Fraser Bryden and then Liam Mandeville.
Bryden and Markanday both had volleys that didn’t trouble Lynch with less than 15 minutes left to play.
Remeao Hutton continued to threaten with his crosses into the area, but the ball wouldn’t fall to a blue shirt.
Boot then had to be alert as Will Davies raced through in the last minute of normal time and the shot-stopper produced a good save with his outstretched foot.
Despite numerous balls into the box, Chesterfield was unable to create any late chances and fell to an opening-day defeat.
Chesterfield: Boot, Hutton, McFadzean, Simpson, Gordon (Owolabi-Belewu 87), Stirk, McEachran (Naylor 87), Markanday, Koroma (Anisjko 87), Sotiriou (Mandeville 67), Bonis (Bryden 67)
Attendance: 7,856
