There are many ways this match report could be started. Perhaps the fact that we have now won 5 of our last 7 games, or maybe the pleasing news that we have climbed to 17th in the league. But no, I am going to start with what SCFC is all about. The fans. There are no words that can describe them today; ‘excellent’ doesn’t really do justice. For the full 90 minutes, and then some, the Spireites were out sung. This counts for nothing, though, if the support isn’t productive. Today it was a key factor in our success. Not once was a player barracked; instead every player was encouraged, supported and willed on. Not only that, but they were a good laugh to! As most of you now know, Jamie Spencer’s hair has literally outgrown ‘long’ and now deserves the title ‘afro’. Even he was laughing as the faithful sang “Where’s your barber gone, where’s your barber gone!” The old songs were brought out to, and that coupled with the army of travelling blue and white supporters (including Gaz and the drum) made for a rousing display.

Anyway, as you have probably already guessed, we took home all three points today against a pretty poor Chesterfield side, who now occupy the place of 22nd. That number seems so far away now doesn’t it? The first real chance of the game fell to County in the 7/8th minute, and resulted in a goal. A foul about 30 yards out allowed Ricky Lambert to step up and work the magic he has been showing in the last few games. He stuck it hard, and a wicked deflection off the head of a defender put it past the helpless ‘Muggle’ keeper. The terraces erupted, and it was a miracle I wasn’t crushed in the jubilation.

Immediately I was playing the notion of a win over and over in my head, although the next 15 minutes gave me no reason to. Chesterfield came at us, and may have been a bit peeved they didn’t get the equaliser. Their first, and best, chance should never have even been allowed to happen. An aimless punt up field confused Ant Williams and the County defender and they collided mid air, allowing their striker through on goal with no one to beat. How he missed is beyond me. It looked like the ball had maybe gone a bit wide and further than he had liked, but from where I was stood it looked easier to score than be knocked gloriously wide like he did. A huge let off from our point of view.

They carried on putting on pressure though, and it wasn’t long before another chance went begging. A long, strong and low drive had Williams at full stretch. I am undetermined on whether he tipped it on to the post, or whether it hit the woodwork of its own accord. However, again County were thanking Lady Luck. Chesterfield carried on shooting from distance, most of which fell safely wide or over. However, Williams was called on several times to dispense the danger. The most notable one was a good parry wide after a well struck shot from a wide angle in the 6 yard box.

How surprising it was then that County doubled their advantage about 5 minutes before the end of the first half. Their left back (who had a horrible 45 minutes; gave away the goal basically and twisted his knee) was robbed by Alby just inside the 6 yard box, and was left with a good opportunity to shoot. What a battle he must have had going on in his head. He must realise he hasn’t been scoring enough goals, and that this was a chance to redeem himself. Instead, unselfishly, he laid it back to the incoming Daly who calmly slotted it home.

County were obviously starting to get back in the game now, and Daly was hungry for more goals. Again their no 5 was robbed, only this time by Jon. Before he had a chance to really steady himself to shoot, the keeper was out off his line and so Daly was forced to hit it quick. Muggleton made the save, but Daly didn’t give up. He collected the ball again and hit the bottom of the post with the rebound shot. I think that about summed up Daly today; he never stopped all game, created chances, and was perhaps unlucky not to score twice!

To be fair to Chesterfield, if I was them I would be highly miffed to find myself 2 goals to the bad at half time. But how many times this season have we felt like that? We are getting our luck now and making good use of it. Long may this continue!

The second half brought fewer chances for both teams, but was much more enjoyable. Chesterfield had an immediate opportunity to get back in the game, but super Johnny Hardiker denied them. The ball landed perfectly for their striker, on the right hand side of Ant Williams net; the County fans gasped, a goal seemed inevitable. However, Hardiker threw himself into a perfectly timed tackle and cleared the danger. That man was excellent today, attacking as well as defending.

If Chesterfield were wooing their missed chances now, they certainly were a couple of minutes later. Hardiker broke down the right hand side channel, skipping past a defender and then playing a good ball to the other side of the pitch for Danny Jackman. What happened then was quite peculiar! He slot it home like a striker!! Oh well, who cares who scores? We were now three goals to the good and in cruise control mode. Or so I thought….

A matter of seconds later Chesterfield came back at us. Again they worked their way into our box and were presented with an excellent opportunity to score. Ant Williams stayed on his feet as long as possible, and then went down at the perfect time to make a brilliant stop with his feet.

As far as I can remember, they didn’t really have any real chances again and County played the game out for the 3-0 win. And the way they played out the game was the most satisfying thing of today. They were down to 10 men through injury, but let’s not take away the praise from our lads for the way we passed it around the back, and didn’t even let them get a touch of the ball for sometimes 4 minute spells. We were even creating chances at the death; their keeper did well to turn a hard Daly shot round the post.

Ant Williams – 8/10 MOM – Made several vital saves today, and commanded his area well. Perhaps he should have shouted a bit louder so he could claim the ball for their first chance. Keep it up!

Hardiker – 8 – He is a gem! Excellent defending and almost as good going forward!! Cool, calm and collective. We MUST keep hold of him!

Clare - 7 – This is weird, but I can’t remember anything he did wrong, nor can I remember anything astounding. Ah well, he cant have been that bad, so I will give him a 7!!

Williams – 7.5 – His clearances are very good, but as can be expected from a former non league defender, he does make the occasional gaffe. IIRC it was he that knocked over t’other Williams.

Adams – 7.5 – Basically the same as Williams. He is also quite good at getting away with niggling fouls on opposing players!

Goodwin – 7.5 – A LOT better than against Rushden. He was class defensively, and his passing wasn’t too bad either. Took one for the team as well; he was almost knocked out by a power blaster of a free kick.

Lambert – 7 – Spread the play well, as usual, but still not up to his best. I believe that the free kick did go down as his goal as well; so as long as he keeps scoring I don’t care how he plays!

Cartwright – 7.5 – He was very good defensively today, and did well at buying us time on the wing. A good signing, one that is often wrongly overlooked when considereing Countys success over the last 7 games.

Jackman – 7.89 – Good defensively as can be expected of a left back. He took his goal extremely well, although he did seem to be loitering in their half trying to get a second!

Alby – 7 – A good workman like performance, he chased the ball and went in full hearted for the chances. Set up Daly well. I would still like to see him score a few more though!!

Daly – 8- Just missed out on MOM. Like Alby today, except he scored and almost scored again. Finally the front two seem to be linking up together. This means we can play defensively but still score goals.

Subs: Robertson – Nice to see him play a part in the last 15 minutes, although he didn’t have to try to hard as Chesterfield were as good as beat.

When the final whistle went, it was great to see the amount of emotion Sammy showed. He punched the air several times, shook the hand of all the players and applauded the fans.
To conclude, we weren’t great today. We took our chances well, but we did allow them to have more shots than they should have had. That doesn’t mean the defence didn’t play well though, they always got back to sort the trouble they created. 3-0 was flattering, but that doesn’t matter. Today we put the first nail in the coffin of ‘field, and pried out one of ours. I am full of optimism now; WE WILL STAY UP!!

Thanks for reading!