First Minutes
Chesterfield opened the scoring just two minutes into the match. Josh Koroma won the ball back after being dispossessed on the edge of Salford’s box, and fired a shot at keeper Will Norris. The ball slipped past Norris and into the path of Lee Bonis, who tapped it into the net for Chesterfield’s first goal of the season.
Halftime
The Spireites held onto the 1-0 lead into the break. Koroma and Bonis created several chances, but neither could extend the advantage. Bonis dispossessed Norris around 25 yards from goal and fired at an empty net, while a cross from Kelly N’Mai set up a close-range attempt by Ben Woodburn, who struck the post on the 65th minute.
Second Half
Salford’s best chance came in the 65th minute when Ben Woodburn hit the post after a cross from Kelly N’Mai. Tom Naylor replaced George McEachran after the latter appeared to pick up an injury. Chesterfield then made a series of substitutions to see out the game: Rafiq Lamptey, Malik Owolabi-Belewu and Junior Ecclestone replaced Dilan Markandy, Remeao Hutton and Josh Koroma.
The Spireites endured a late surge from Salford, with Ryan Stirk almost conceding an own goal when a headed clearance ricocheted off the post. Despite the pressure, Chesterfield held on for their first win of the season.
Aftermath
Paul Cook made only one change to his starting XI from the previous home loss to Fleetwood, replacing Ruel Sotiriou with Liam Mandeville. The Spireites will travel to Rotherham United for a 1.00pm kickoff on Saturday, 29 August, hoping to build momentum from this victory.
