FA Cup dreams came to an end for Chesterfield at the hands of a well organised Northampton side that punished the Spireites for their below par performance at Sixfields in the second round of the FA Youth Cup.

For the first time this season the Chesterfield youth team, sponsored by David C Jones Insurance Services, were treated to the luxury of a fully fit squad at their disposal, but decided to name an unchanged 11 to the side that were defeated to local rivals Mansfield Town just over a week ago.

Scott Webb denied the Cobblers an early opportunity, when the spireite number one charged down Will Green's advancing run after Michael Jacobs had played the striker through just five minutes into the match.

Jimmy Adcock created Chesterfield's first sniff of goal with a long range effort after his first touch had opened up space, unfortunately it failed to hit the target and was dragged wide.

Ben Watkis teed up Sam Smith moments later for a chance, but Smith's effort was unsuccessful at testing the goalkeeper.

Chesterfield's early flourish of chances continued when Chris Tingay latched on to the receiving end of a Smith corner, but Paul Walker was on hand to deny any impending danger.

However, the match wasn't all one way traffic as the home side hit back with a number of chances that tested both the reliability of Webb, as well as his back four.

Freekick specialist Jacobs tested Chesterfield's defensive qualities on two occasions, as the Spireites foolishly gifted Northampton the freedom to shoot in dangerous areas. But were let off the hook again, thanks to Webb.

With 39 minutes played the Spireites again allowed Jacobs a freekick opportunity just outside the box and the midfielder proved to be third time lucky with a superb finish that beat both the wall and Webb, to give Northampton the lead.

This significantly turned the match as Chesterfield's confidence crumbled allowing the Cobblers the chance to counter.

Tom McGowan's hard work on the right left Green with the chance to double the lead minutes before half time, but the shot somehow pulled wide.

As Chesterfield tried desperately to hold on to their one goal difference, Jacob had other ideas. Yet another freekick by the number four seemed to be goal bound as it beat the three man wall, but luckily for the blues the woodwork saved their blushes.

A short half time team talk saw Chesterfield come out eager to get back on level terms and almost did just two minutes after the re start, when Craig Clay and Smith linked up to send a ball across the Northampton box that was begging for a blue shirt to latch onto the end.

That seemed to be all Northampton would allow the Spireites to produce as Alex Konstantinou, Green and McGowan dominated the home sides attack time and time again, with Webb certainly proving his worth.

Northampton finished the game off with just eight minutes remaining when Greg Kaziboni's 35 yard chip over Webb confirmed cup exit for the Spireites.

Despite the scoreline and realistic chance of Chesterfield levelling the match, the Spireites still persevered and Jimmy Adcock almost made gave the blues a late lifeline, but his shot was well saved with five minutes left.

Adcock did finally hit the target late in injury time after Walker's mistake allowed the ball to be scrambled over the line, but it proved to be too little too late for Chesterfield.

The Spireites still remain in two separate cup competitions but will surely be gutted knowing that one more win would of set up a likely tie against one of the Premiership giants.


Chesterfield (4-4-2): Webb, Tingay, Granger, Needham, Clare, Clay, Darikwa, Adcock, Smith (Wright 64), Burrow, Watkis

Subs Not Used: Moller, Beaglehole, Handbury, Edridge

Goals: Adcock 90+2

Spireites reporting team Adam Hulme and Phil Oddy