Lee Bonis’ late goal secured the Spireites a 1-0 victory in Tuesday night‘s Vertu Trophy clash against Burton Albion at the SMH Group Stadium.
The win leaves Chesterfield in third place in Northern Group H, level on points with both Crewe Alexandra and Burton.
Paul Cook made wholesale changes from Saturday’s disappointing defeat against Colchester United, with nine players getting the nod who didn’t start in Essex.
It was a slow opening 20 minutes in this Vertu Trophy tie, with both sides content on keeping safe possession.
James Berry attempted to inject some energy into the tie with some slick one-touch passing.
And it was Berry who had the game’s first half chance when a deflected pass found him in the area, but the opposition quickly hounded him out.
In what was becoming a theme of the half, Burton were pressing high whenever the Spireites’ defenders had possession, hoping to capitalise on a mistake.
It was a mistake that almost led to the opening goal when Vontae Daley-Campbell’s back pass was too short. However, Ryan Boot timed his interception to perfection to prevent a goal and a possible red card.
Both sides made a much more energetic start to the second period.
It took until the 51st minute for the game’s first shot on target as Nick Atoto’s effort was comfortably caught by Boot.
Moments later, Burton again had a chance when Fabio Tavares’ looping header was cleared off the line by Berry.
With 15 minutes to play, Armando Dobra had a speculative effort after strong work in the build-up from Bonis.
Finally, in the 79th minute, the game had its first goal. Dilan Markanday was patient before sliding the ball through to Ronan Darcy, who squared the ball to Bonis for him to bundle in from close range.
Dobra almost doubled the lead late on after a mazy run, though his finish lacked any venom.
The Spireites controlled the remainder of the game to secure the 1-0 victory.
Chesterfield: Boot, Lewis (Gordon 73), McFadzean, Donacien (Grimes 63), Daley-Campbell, Naylor, Fleck (Stirk 45), Markanday, Darcy, Dickson (Bonis 63), Berry (Dobra 63)
Attendance: 1,229
