Chesterfield secured a big derby victory with a 3-2 win away at Notts County, with Liam Mandeville’s second-half goal proving decisive in an action-packed contest at Meadow Lane.
The Spireites made the perfect start when Armando Dobra opened the scoring in the 16th minute. The Albanian winger started the move before finishing it himself, firing Dilan Markanday’s cross past goalkeeper James Belshaw to put Paul Cook’s side ahead.
The game took another twist just three minutes later when Notts County midfielder Oliver Norburn was sent off. Having already been booked earlier in the match, Norburn received a second yellow card after throwing an opponent’s boot off the pitch during a challenge involving Dobra.
Despite being reduced to ten men, the hosts responded well and were level in the 36th minute when Sil Swinkels turned Jodi Jones’ cross into his own net.
Chesterfield regained the lead just before half-time as Tom Naylor headed home Tom Pearce’s cross to make it 2-1. However, the advantage was short-lived with Matty Platt bundling the ball home from close range to send the sides into the break level at 2-2.
The decisive moment arrived in the 66th minute when Liam Mandeville nodded in Sammy Braybrooke’s delivery to restore Chesterfield’s lead. From there, the Spireites held firm to see out an important victory.
The win gives Chesterfield bragging rights in the local derby and provides a significant boost to their push for promotion as the season enters its crucial final stages.
