A quite opening for the Spireites burst into life after 35 minutes when Jack Lester's header was parried by Matlock 'keeper Andy Richmond to set up the chance for livewire midfielder Lloyd Kerry to bury an angled shot into the net.
A much younger looking Matlock this year had created a few earlier openings but failed to take advantage and never seriously troubled Chesterfield again.
The Gladiators, who worked hard, were second best throughout a second half bossed by the Spireites.
There were four substitutions for Chesterfield when central defender Danny Hall had to be replaced by Gregor Robertson after 25 minutes due to a head injury.Wideman Ben Algar was replaced at the break by Aussie trialist Chris Tadrosse who put in a good shift. Dan Gray and trialist Scott Boden replaced Paul Harsley and Jack Lester late on.
Scott Flinders was once again in the Chesterfield goal and looked very comfortable behind a competent looking Spireites defence.
Matlock had some familiar faces in their line-up.As well as keeper Andy Richmond there was their man-of-the-match Steve Warne, and Ashley Foyle.Second-half substitutes included Cameron Fearon, Jamie Jackson and Ruben Wiggins-Thomas.
Three Chesterfield players were unavailable for selection, Aaron Downes (thigh), Jamie Lowry (blisters), and Derek Niven (compassionate leave to attend a family funeral).
