WONDER WHELAN WOWS SPIREITES!
CHESTERFIELD climbed, menacingly, to within two points of the play-off places after another fine display in this battle of in-form sides at the Technique Stadium. The Glovers came into the game having won five of their last six games but had no answer to a Spireites side inspired by midfield general Tom Whelan. He set up the opener for Akwasi Asante, who celebrated his new three-year deal in style on 48 minutes, and then scored the second himself 20 minutes later, rounding his man on the edge of the box before firing into the left corner. And Whelan was involved yet again for the killer third, his excellent back heel sending Joel Taylor down the left before his cross found Jak McCourt in the box to fire home. Chesterfield assistant manager George Foster didn’t want to get carried away with the progress that his team have made but was quick to praise them for their preparation for this game, especially with Yeovil hot on their heels in the table. Foster said: “We showed Yeovil the respect they deserved. We knew it was going to be a difficult game but we felt that if we performed to our maximum that we were capable of winning. “We just need to take it all one game at a time and only time will tell where we can finish, but this is a special place and a special club full of special people.” After an even first half, Chesterfield came out the blocks flying in the second half and they were soon rewarded when Whelan’s, defence-splitting pass found Asante, who rounded keeper Adam Smith and tapped into an empty net. In contrast, the Glovers struggled to create much in the way of clear-cut chances, registering their first shot on target in the 63rd minute from outside the box. It was no surprise therefore when Chesterfield doubled their lead thanks to Whelan’s fine finish and McCourt rounded off an impressive victory 12 minutes from time. Yeovil boss Darren Sarll felt that his side lacked the quality that he has come to expect from his team – and issued a warning to his younger players of what to expect at this level. “We looked like we didn’t pack our normal punch, where there was no point that you really felt that we would break them down today,” Sarll said. “The players who are to blame are younger players and, if they don’t learn from today then that’s a problem. But if they do take lessons that they’ve learned from today then it’s not a problem. “I know the group and the dressing room atmosphere and I’m fairly confident that we will have a big response to this.”