First-team coach Paddy Byrne was thrilled to beat League One opposition in Tuesday night’s 1-0 Vertu Trophy victory over Burton Albion.
A late goal from Lee Bonis earned the Spireites their first victory in this year’s competition in what was a tight game against the Brewers.
Byrne said: “Burton are a good side and they are from the league above, and are full of good players.
“Sometimes when you have a disappointing result on the Saturday, you want the games to come thick and fast. We had the opportunity to play this evening, and it gave us the chance to put it right quite quickly.
“There were plenty of positives. Whether it was lads getting minutes or how we were in possession. We are pleased with how the game went tonight.”
Paul Cooked made nine changes to Saturday’s side for the clash, but it was not as youthful as many may have expected.
Byrne explained: “The gaffer was clear in his message about what he wanted from the game. We said that we would still attack with a first-team squad, and that’s exactly what we have done.
“All lads from across the two games have played valuable minutes, and there will probably be a few tough decisions going into the game on Saturday.
“There are loads of games, so we will rest and recover tomorrow, and then prepare for a tough game on Saturday.”
Byrne gave an encouraging update on Will Grigg’s fitness after the Northern Ireland international had a scan on his injury.
He said: “It’s not as bad as what we first thought. We are hoping that it’ll be a small number of weeks as opposed to anything more severe than that. He’s pleased with the news, and we’re pleased with the news.”
And finally, Byrne cleared up any doubt about who the goal was credited to after it was bundled into the net following a goalmouth scramble.
Byrne explained: “Yes, it’s Lee Bonis’ goal. He’s already been asking the analysis department. After that, he was made up.
“We are made up for Lee; he works ever so hard, and sometimes he just doesn’t get the rub of the green.”
