Lee Bonis’ first-half double helped end Chesterfield’s five-game winless run as they beat Barnet 3-1 at the SMH Group Stadium.
Barnet grabbed a goal back in the first half through Mark Shelton, but Liam Mandeville’s strike ten minutes from time secured all three points for the Spireites.
Paul Cook made just one alteration to the side that secured a dramatic point away at Cambridge United last weekend, with Lewis Gordon replacing Adam Lewis at left-back.
Chesterfield made a lively start to the contest as Devan Tanton saw his looping cross cannon off the crossbar in the opening stages.
And with 11 minutes on the clock, the Spireites made the early dominance count as they took the lead.
Gordon’s low cross found Bonis, who, at the second time of asking, managed to fire past Cieran Slicker.
Chesterfield continued to pen Barnet back as they hunted for a second goal.
However, the visitors launched a counter-attack through Ryan Glover, who found Britt Assombalonga, though the forward was denied by a last-ditch Kyle McFadzean block.
Just after the half-hour mark, Bonis had a golden chance to double his tally when McFadzean’s clearance fell to him in the box, but the striker completely miscued his effort.
Bonis didn’t have to wait long to grab his second as the Northern Irishman made it 2-0 in the 38th minute.
Dylan Duffy’s whipped cross required the faintest of glances from Bonis to take it past the helpless Slicker.
The joy was short-lived, however, as three minutes later, Shelton was left unmarked at the back post to head home Kane Smith’s corner.
After the break, Barnet raced out of the blocks with two huge opportunities.
First, Zach Hemming was called into action to block Callum Stead at point-blank range.
Then, Smith’s effort from the edge of the box crashed off the inside of the post as the visitors probed for an equaliser.
With an hour played, Barnet again had an opportunity for an equaliser, but no orange shirt could finish after a goalmouth scramble.
Chesterfield survived the onslaught and in the 80th minute made it 3-1.
Mandeville’s fierce strike from the edge of the area flew past Slicker, giving the Spireites breathing room.
It was almost 4-1 late on when Will Grigg first saw his effort tipped over the bar, and then McFadzean’s header from the corner flew just over the bar.
The Spireites held on from this point to a very welcome three points.
Chesterfield: Hemming, Tanton (Daley-Campbell 67), Dunkley, McFadzean, Gordon, Naylor, Stirk (Dickson 90), Mandeville, Duffy (Butterfield 72), Darcy (Berry 67), Bonis (Grigg 72)
Attendance: 7,533
