Spireites win to secure third place

The Spireites secured third place in the National League with victory against Maidstone United. Two goals from Andrew Dallas and one apiece from Bailey Clements and Ryan Colclough gave Chesterfield a 4-0 win.

Paul Cook made three changes as Clements, Mike Jones and Armando Dobra replaced Ollie Banks, Paul McCallum, and Laurence Maguire.

Maidstone had the first chance of the game. A mistake from Jamie Grimes allowed George Fowler a chance, but his strike flashed just over.

Liam Mandeville received the first yellow card of the match early on. The Chesterfield man brought down Kevin Berkoe who was on a charge from the halfway line.

Chesterfield had an opener ruled out just after 20 minutes. A great ball by Clements was headed home by Dobra, but the goal was chalked off for offside.

The first half came to an end, with neither side being able to break the deadlock in the opening 45 minutes.

Dallas had a golden opportunity in the early stages of the second period. He was slid through by Clements but fired over the bar from the edge of the area.

Finally, a goal arrived for the Spireites after 52 minutes. Clements played through Dallas, who poked home from close range to the delight of the home support.

It was double delight for Chesterfield on the 58-minute mark. A cross from Jeff King found Clements at the back post, who slotted the ball past Yousuf Mersin to extend the advantage.

Cook opted to make changes to his side following the goals. Dobra made way for McCallum just an hour into the game.

McCallum made a quick impact as he assisted Chesterfield’s third goal after 67 minutes. The substitute drove forward and laid the ball across to Dallas, who claimed his second goal of the game with a fine finish.

Tim Akinola became the Blues’ second substitute as he replaced Jones in the later stages.

Chesterfield almost found another goal after 75 minutes. McCallum flicked the ball forwards to Dallas, but a fine save from Mersin denied him his hat trick.

Dallas was replaced by Joe Quigley soon after in Chesterfield’s final change.

Colclough completed a fantastic performance with Chesterfield’s fourth goal on 90 minutes. He rounded Mersin and placed the ball home following McCallum’s pass forward.

The referee’s whistle ended a brilliant night for the Spireites, who await a semi-final opponent.

Spireites: Fitzsimons, King, Palmer, Grimes ©, Clements, Oldaker, Jones (Akinola 72), Mandeville, Dobra (McCallum 61), Colclough, Dallas (Quigley 76).

Unused substitutes: Maguire, Uchegbulam.

Attendance: 9,105 (145 away)