Pre-Season players reports : vs Matlock Town

The Spireites Gazette takes a look back on Dean Saunders first game as Chesterfield manager and gives you our player reports.

Injury worries for Tommy Lee and Drew Talbot kept them out of the first pre season game as Chesterfield took on Matlock Town for the Autoworld Cup. Long term absentee Aaron Chapman also missed out as he recovers from an ankle injury. A strong 11 took the field in the first half and it didn't take them long to take the lead as in the 14th minute the Spireites were awarded a penalty when new Chesterfield striker Ebanks-Blake was brought to ground by the Matlock Town goalkeeper Jonny Maxstead. This saw Jay O’Shea step up and slot home the resulting penalty. Just five minutes later Chesterfield doubled their advantage after a great header by new boy Ebanks-Blake from a perfect Dan Gardner cross from the left. It took to the 83rd minute for Armand Gnanduillet to add a third and winning goal which saw the Spireites take away their first silverware of the season!






First Half:

A Trialist (gk) (Number 20)

A fairly solid display by the on trial goalkeeper. Didn't have that much to do but commanded his defence well and kept a clean sheet. Certainly worth another look at with Tommy Lee and Aaron Chapman out.

Darikwa (Number 2)

Surprisingly sloppy by the Chesterfield player of the season. Found himself giving the ball away a couple of times and his delivery into the box was not up to his usual high standard. However he did stop all threats down his wing.

Jones (Number 3)

Impressive by the left back and the Spireite Gazette first half man of the match. Plenty of energy and loads of pace. Looked an attacking threat down the left side all half. The Matlock Town right side couldn't cope with the pace of the Chesterfield left back.

Hird (Number 4)

Quite a quiet game from Sam Hird, but that's not always a bad thing as a centre half. Not much to deal with and played his role well.

Evatt (Number 23)

A slow start by Evatt saw him beaten in the air a couple of times. Grew into the game and dealt with all dangers. 

Morsy (Number 5)

Sam Morsy played like Sam Morsy does. Looked solid, comfortable on the ball and fantastic going forward and back.

Banks (Number 24)

New partner for Sam Morsy today. Banks looks to have bulked up and have a bit more fight about him. Clearly has lots of ability, maybe at times was too keen to impress and gave the ball away. Put a shift in tonight and hopefully it'll be a big season for Banks.

Gardner (Number 7)

An excellent half by Dan Gardner! He will certainly have a big role to play this season. He had great reading of the game and his cross for Ebanks Blake was first class.

O'Shea (Number 10)

Still dizzy from Jay's feet! O'shea showed brilliant dribbling and fantastic touch, hopefully he can continue this all season, if he can he'll be a real gem for the Spireites this season.

Clucas (Number 12)

The tremendous effort given by Sam Clucas is matched with superb ability. Looked very happy on the ball and worked very hard off it. Started alongside SEB, sometimes dropping into attacking midfield to get the ball. His versatility is only bettered by his ability. 

Sylvan Ebanks Blake (Number 22)

A bright start by new boy SEB, played 38 minutes, scored a goal and attempted an over head kick, not a bad way to win over fans! Needs match practice and to build his fitness up, but clearly has great finishing.... 1 game, 1 goal!

Orrell (Number 30)

Jake Orrell has clearly made an impression on Dean Saunders since joining the club at the start of July. The 17 year old only got 7 minutes in the first half and 6 in the second but this was more playing time than Mani Dieseruvwe or Rai Simons and he actually got to play striker unlike Jake Beesley or Byron Harrison. Looked composed and fitted in nicely with the Chesterfield starting 11 - One to watch.

Second Half:

Beesley (Number 27)

Jake Beesley came in at right back and looked like he'd played there all his life! Great going forward and unlucky to have a goal ruled out.... for offside?! somehow! Defended brilliantly and held the defensive line when required. With this versatility Beesley could prove to be a valuable asset for the Spireites this season.

Humphreys (Number 15)

Looked like the Ritchie Humphreys of old, bombing up and down the left side. It's Humphreys 21st pre-season and he stepped up and led organised the a team most of the team not even being alive 21 seasons ago! 

Raglan (Number 16)

Charlie Raglan is so calm, cool and collected. He's organised, he's strong, fast and can play. He'll be pushing for a start this season. Great game, another massive season ahead for Raglan.

Maguire (Number 17)

Such a good header of the ball! Maguire looked a solid partnership with Raglan and reassured us that another CB wasn't needed in the squad. Think he'll learn a lot this season from Evatt, Hird and Raglan.

Onovwigun (Number 21)

The Chesterfield reserves will be perfect for Michael Onovwigun. He has the raw assets to be a great player, he's tall, strong and can played some great football at times. Needed to relax more on the ball and not panic his passes sometimes, hopefully more game time can see 19 year old Onovwigun improve and reach his potential. 

A Trialist (Number 25)

Who is he!! Number 25 didn't put a foot wrong all game! He had a great left foot and looked to have bags on composer on the ball. Always wanted the ball and didn't misplace a pass, another game like that and we suggest that you sign him up Mr Saunders!

Ariyibi (Number 28)

Ariyibi had a great time! League One players struggle to keep up with the fast paced, technical dribbling of Gboly and the Matlock Town players couldn't even get close to him. Such an exciting prospect for Spireites fans and he's just 20 years old. Can't wait to see more of Gboly this season!

A Trialist (Number 13)

Did alright in a tough position, over shadowed by the other trialists on display number 13 showed touches of potential and will hope to build on that if given more game time tonight at Buxton.

Harrison (Number 18)

Still not really impressed Spireite fans, Harrison looked uncomfortable in the right wing birth and found himself out of the game. Hopefully Byron has more to give and can get a goal to boost his confidence for the coming campaign. 

Gnanduillet (Number 9)

Big season for the big French boy! Armand looked very good and the Matlock Town defenders couldn't cope with his sheer power, got himself a good goal and will be hoping to prove doubters wrong and build on his cult like status with the Spireites!

Dieseruvwe (Number 26) & Simons (Number 14) & Trialist (Number 29)

Only had under 10 minutes to show what they've got to Spireites which isn't really enough to judge on. Mani and Rai will be hoping for more game time as they try and push there way into first team plans. 

A lot of fans are excited of the prospect of "Trialist 29". Not much playing time in this game but given the chance could be a very good player for the Spireites. Very good reviews from his former club.... could he be the next Jimmy Ryan?!