Mansfield Town 1 Chesterfield 3
Dave Bentleys young guns clinched the third and final bragging rights of the season with a comfortable victory over local rivals Mansfield Town at the Fieldings. Jordan Burrow's first half brace along with Ben Watkis' second half strike sealed victory over the Stags for the second time this season.
Chesterfield went into the match in upbeat fashion after defeating second place York City last weekend. Despite this positive approach, their plans were hampered just six minutes into the match. Goalkeeper Scott Webb, who has played in every single match this season, was forced off the pitch after bravely going into an early challenge with a yellow shirt, presenting Sam West with his first taste of youth alliance action.
It wasn't long before West was tested by the Mansfield team. A shot from outside the Chesterfield penalty box was directed on target, but the goalkeeper held the first shot of the match with ease.
Tendayi Darikwa's determination was rewarded with an early chance for the attacker. When Darikwa's hard fought challenge was won, the Spireite number nine followed up with a right footed effort, but dragged the shot wide on 14 minutes.
Mansfield emerged lucky not to have given an early penalty away after winger Jimmy Adcock had appeared to be fouled in the Stags' penalty box, but the referee ruled otherwise.
After a steady opening 20 minutes, both sides initiated attacks on goal. Sam Smith's swinging cross almost picked out the head of Jordan Burrow, while the Stags were allowed the time and space to launch a testing cross into the Spireite box, failing to pick out a Mansfield player.
Darikwa continued to be a nuisance for the home side as his one-two with Smith ended with the striker hitting the bar from a half volley.
Chesterfield's attacks were occurring more frequently, with a goal appearing to be just a matter of time.
Burrow's clever move inside the Stag's defence set up the striker to unleash an effort, but unfortunately for Chesterfield's leading goal scorer the shot lacked any bearing on goal.
Burrow did however add to his tally minutes later. Darikwa's threatening run down the left was unselfishly finished with a gifting pass for Burrow, who side footed from close range to open the scoring.
The Spireites seemed not content to just sit on the one goal lead and immediately went in search of another. Within a minute of the kick off Burrow had hit his and Chesterfield's second of the match.
Ryan Granger and Smith's linking up down the right hand side lead to the Spireites winning a corner. From the resulting corner, Smith's delivery was flicked on by Craig Clay at the front post who found Burrow's head at the back stick to score his 14th league goal of the campaign.
Despite the early brace from Burrow, the Stags looked for a way back before half time and almost seemed to get in on 39 minutes. A dangerous cross was met by West's fist but was only cleared as far as a yellow shirt with the follow up rattling the side netting, which proved to be a real let off for Bentley's side.
This didn't dampen the Spireites' spirits as they pressed for a third. Ben Watkis and Clay both had decent efforts from outside the box, before the latter produced a fine strike that smashed against the bar and would of surely seen the game dead and buried.
Chesterfield came out for the second half in the same manner they ended the first and had another superb effort rattle the woodwork. This time it was Watkis that delivered the splendid long distanced strike, that if it had gone in would most defiantly been changeling the likes of Smith and Adcock for goal of the season. Unfortunately the ball smashed the post, with Burrow's follow up testing the quick reactions of the Stags' number one.
As the half progressed it was clear that Mansfield stood a slim chance of making any impact on the game. Adcock was unlucky not to get on the score sheet when he turned his defender and hit a first time shot that forced the goalkeeper into holding well.
A well worked training ground set piece involving Sam Clare, Adcock and Darikwa almost ended with Darikwa finding the target, but was saved by the Stags' number one, who was becoming busier as the game progressed.
The Spireites did finally add another to the game on 77 minutes through Watkis. The attacking midfielder, who had seen an early effort rattled the post, drilled a left footed shot across the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.
This three goal advantage was cut short just a few moments later when Clare's lunging tackle on the Stags' right winger cost the defender and Chesterfield a penalty. The Mansfield number four converted from the spot, sending West the wrong way, which turned out to be a consolation for the home side as Chesterfield picked up yet another three points.
Chesterfield (4-4-2): Webb (West 6), Granger, Clare, Palmer, Needham, Adcock (Beaglehole 77), Smith (Waddle 77), Clay, Watkis, Darikwa, Burrow
Subs Not Used: Wright, Edridge
Goals: Burrow 34, 35 Watkis 77
