Three first half goals sealed a deserved victory for the Spireites in a reserves practice game at Saltergate against a strong Rotherham United side. It also proved to be another milestone on the road to recovery for Aaron Downes, in only his second comeback game the Aussie defender played a full 90 minutes.
Martin Gritton dinked a neat effort past the onrushing goalkeeper after 15 minutes to put Chesterfield ahead.
Scott Boden kept up his run of goalscoring form when he showed some quick feet to fire across the 'keeper into the corner of the net for Chesterfield's second after 30 minutes.
The Spireites scored their third goal when centre-forward Martin Gritton got his second goal on the stroke of half-time with a bit of help from the strong blustery wind. He met a cross to the far post by heading back across goal and it fooled everyone to loop into the net.
Overall a good team performance with the perfect re-action after some harsh words from coach Mark Crossley, following a poor second-half display recently in the 3-3 draw with Notts County.
Mark Crossley said: "I thought the lads were outstanding against a strong Rotherham side with some bright individual performances as well. Aaron Downes got through ninety minutes, Matt Malak in goal had probably his best game, and the midfield was superb."
He added: "It was a composed performance and an excellent response after our performance fell away in our last game."
Chesterfield line-up: Mat Malak, Trialist (sub Chris Tingay 60), Danny Hall, Aaron Downes, Alan Goodall, Terrell Lewis, Paul Harsley, Dan Gray, Derek Niven (sub Jimmy Adcock 46), Martin Gritton, Scott Boden (sub Jordan Burrow 75).
Sub not used: Craig Clay
Match played at Saltergate on Wednesday 25 November 2009
