REPORT: Spireites secure league double over the Gulls

Chesterfield scored three goals and received three points in their final game before Christmas with a comfortable 3-0 win over Torquay United at Plainmoor.

Sheridan made four changes from the side that fell to defeat to Notts County in the FA Trophy. Jack McKay, Jay Sheridan, Mike Fondop and Laurence Maguire all came into the starting lineup.

The Spireites couldn’t have wished for a better start as McKay scored his first goal for club inside the first minute. The striker latched onto Gevaro’s cross from the left and powered his header into the back of the net.

The away side almost doubled the lead when Fondop forced Shaun MacDonald into action, but the Gulls keeper smartly saved the header.

Torquay found themselves with a great chance to level in the 19th minute. Saikou Janneh played through Connor Lemonheigh-Evans inside the area but the midfielder failed to find the target, rifling his strike past Shwan Jalal’s right post.

In the final 20 minutes of the first half the home side had the majority of the ball but Chesterfield defended resiliently, making crucial blocks and tackles.

Two minutes before the break, Gary Johnson saw his side reduced to ten as Janneh saw red due to an alleged elbow on Laurence Maguire.

Not long into the second half the Spireites nearly made it two when Hollis’ header was cleared off the line.

A few minutes later the hosts came close to finding an equaliser. Jean-Yves Koue Niate connected with a corner from the right and headed at goal but Jalal was their to protect his sides lead.

But it was the Spireites who found the all important next goal. Gevaro once again provided a perfect cross, this time for Curtis Weston to head home.

Just over ten minutes later Hollis made it three. Sheridan’s corner found the head of the centre half who saw his powerful header fly into the back of the net.

Chesterfield still sit in the relegation zone but the three points provide confidence heading into the busy festive schedule.

Chesterfield: Jalal, Weir (Evans 46), Gerrard, Hollis, Sheridan, Weston, Maguire, Buchanan, McKay (Rowley 60), Fondop (Denton 70), Gevaro.

Unused Substitutes: Boden, Mandeville.

Attendance: 2,288 (163 away)