Chesterfield 4 Grimsby Town 0

Chesterfield put four past Neil Wood's Grimsby Town in a match that was all but over by half time. Despite the Mariner's promising start, it was the Spireites that ran away with the match in dazzling style. Ben Watkis hit the target twice before Tendayi Darikwa and Jordan Burrow added to the scoreline to leave the visitors dejected.

Dave Bentley made two changes to the side that were involved in the goalless draw away at Doncaster Rovers last weekend. Sandy Moller replaced the injured Jake Handbury at right back and Ben Watkis made his first start of the season upfront in place of Josh Wright.

A one minute silence was held in respect for ticket office manager Sue Green, who sadly passed away recently. As the whistle blew, it was the Spireites who were rearing to go and almost took the lead as early as three minutes in. Darikwa's through ball caught the visitors off guard with Watkis latching onto the move, but his first time strike lacked any real compassion.

Chesterfield continued their early attacks with Burrow heading over from close range, but it was Grimsby who looked the most the threatening as they tested the Spireites from distance time and time again, but Ryan Granger held the fought down.

A superb counter attack created the opening for Chesterfield to break the stale deadlock. Scott Webb collected well following a Mariner corner and the quick distribution lead to one of the best build ups Chesterfield are likely to make this season. Eight passes involving seven different players took the ball from one goal to the other, with Watkis marking his first start with a goal from six yards.

Moller's miss moments later was soon forgotten when Watkis scored again. Jimmy Adcock's right footed cross, similar to those that caused Hartlepool problems, picked out Sam Smith on the back post, whose header down tied up Watkis for a volley from close range, leaving the goalkeeper no chance.

Crisp, prompt passes were being both produced and received as Chesterfield showed no signs of settling for a two goal cushion.

With just eight minutes of the half remaining, the Spireites added yet another to their tally, this time through Darikwa, who slotted the ball into the keeper's left hand corner from close range after some good play by Burrow. The midfielder celebrated in honouree style of the late Sue Green by pointing to the heavens after the goal.

Watkis, now on for his hat trick, came so close to accomplishing just that before half time, when Smith found the striker in the box with an inch perfect pass, but Watkis headed over despite beating his defender to the ball.

If the first half was full of goals and chances, the second seemed to be the opposite, with neither team creating an opportunity for the opening 12 minutes. Moral had been all but destroyed for the visitors as they knew a comeback was highly unlikely to happen.

Darikwa's low driven shot brightened up the half, as the Grimsby number one did well to react quick and push the ball for a corner.

Half way through the second half and Burrow put the final nail in Grimsby's coffin. With Chesterfield playing the ball around the visitor's box unchallenged, the ball eventually ended up at the feet of Darikwa, whose shot was blocked well, but only landed as far as Burrow, who from six yards, calmly stroked the ball past the goalkeeper with ease.

Grimsby had a late spell of pressure but never really looked like getting off the mark, despite Matt Needham's slip at the back allowing the visitors an opening. Fortunately for the Spireites, Webb pulled off a terrific save, as the Chesterfield number one had been all but a spectator in the second half.

The Spireites continued to attack until the final whistle, while a jaded Grimsby did their best to hold off a confident Chesterfield. Granger, Adcock, Smith and Moller proceeded to push the Mariners as they attacked with such self belief and ease.

Chesterfield oozed with confidence throughout the match with every player putting in a first-rate performance.

Chesterfield (4-4-2) : Webb, Moller, Clare, Needham, Granger, Adcock, Darikwa, Smith, Clay, Burrow (Wright 75), Watkis
Subs Not Used: Palmer, Beaglehole, Wall, West

Report by Adam Hulme, Spireites youth team reporter