Outstanding Spireites Win At Vale Park

After winning 3 League matches in a row, would the Spireites come crashing back down to earth against a Port Vale side that were second in the table. O'Shea at last made his debut having missed the Tranmere game because he was cup-tied he replaced Danny Whittaker. Randall now fully fit came in for Clay.

618 Spireites made the journey to Vale Park, they were again in good voice. Paul Cook came up to the traveling Spireites and applauded them, a lovely gesture from the man who is becoming an instant fans favourite.

Randall had a long range effort tipped over the bar. Vale started quickly too, winning a few corners, but Town defended them well. O'Shea had been given a license to roam in midfield and was involved in most of the Spireites attacks, causing problems with his speed and his skills on the ball.

The Spireites were starting to pass the ball around like a premiership side, both sides were playing good football, it was end to end free flowing football. Randall was having a good game and was in the thick of it, getting a couple of shots on target.

Randall picked the ball up after a Boa Morte free-kick, he passed to Richards who chested it down, and gave it to O'Shea, he got past two Vale players and calmly stroked the ball home, to put Spireites in front after 37 minutes. Another corner for Vale was headed wide by McDonald.

H.T. 0-1

Vale nearly caught the Spireites on the break, but Lee saved well from Andrew. Randall made a lovely run, the ball ended up with Darikwa, who saw his shot deflect for a corner, which resulted in a free-kick after an hand ball, Richards free-kick was well saved by Neal.

Richards cross was deflected to Darikwa, who headed in at the far post put the visitors 2-0 up. They celebrated in front of their own fans, again Richards the provider against his former club.

Randall hit the bar from a free-kick. Pope the Leagues top scorer failed to provide an answer, has he could only head over.

F.T. 0-2.

What a brilliant performance from the Spireites, O'Shea was the Man of the Match, although Marc Richards was close second today he was the provider rather than the finisher, every player including the subs all played their part. The defence deserved the plaudits again, they kept a clean sheet against a team that have already scored 44 goals in the League this season.

Cook talking to the press said: 'Marc played very well. He is what he is - a very good footballer. He was a catalyst for us, allowing us to get higher up the pitch and effect the game. It was a great result, I'm delighted as a manager, we move on quickly.'

Next up Burton Albion at home, a chance for revenge having lost 3 times to them in the Championship winning season including a defeat in the FA Cup. I'm hoping they won't be as physical and as strong as they were last time. Although this is a much more fitter Spireite team, and a team determined to win their fifth game on the trot.

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