Chesterfield booked their place in the second round of the FA Cup after surviving a dramatic Yeovil Town fightback before Joel Randall struck a late winner in a thrilling 4-3 victory at the SMH Group Stadium.
The Spireites looked to be cruising into the next round after turning a one-goal deficit into a 3-1 advantage, only for Yeovil to fight back and level the scores with eight minutes remaining.
But there was still time for one final twist, as substitute Randall found the net in the 89th minute to send Chesterfield through.
Paul Cook’s side had dominated much of the first half, creating several opportunities through Lee Bonis, Alfie Pond, Lewis Gordon, Louie Marsh and Remeao Hutton.
Pond came closest to breaking the deadlock before the visitors took a surprise lead in the 39th minute. Jack Simpson was penalised for impeding Johl Powell inside the area, and Slavi Spasov stepped up to convert the resulting penalty.
Chesterfield responded brilliantly. Just four minutes later, Simpson rose at the far post to power home a header from Josh Koroma’s cross and bring the scores level.
The Spireites then turned the game around in the final moments of the half. Koroma put Chesterfield ahead with a close-range finish, making it 2-1 in stoppage time.
The hosts carried that momentum into the second half and extended their advantage in the 55th minute. Kiano Dyer drove towards the edge of the penalty area before creating the opportunity for Simpson, who fired a low finish into the net to claim his second goal of the afternoon.
At 3-1, Chesterfield appeared to have one foot in the second round, but Yeovil refused to give up.
James Daly reduced the deficit in the 78th minute, finding the net after a spell of pressure from the visitors.
Four minutes later, the comeback was complete. Hayden Muller rose to meet a cross from substitute Stephen Walker and headed home to make it 3-3.
With extra time looming, Chesterfield needed a moment of quality – and it arrived in the 89th minute.
Dilan Markanday delivered a low ball into the penalty area, where Randall was perfectly placed to turn home the winner and spark celebrations around the SMH Group Stadium.
There was still time for Yeovil to threaten again, but Chesterfield held on to secure a place in Monday’s second-round draw.
It was a dramatic afternoon for the Spireites, who showed their attacking quality to score four goals but will know there are defensive lessons to take from allowing a two-goal lead to disappear.
Full-time: Chesterfield 4-3 Yeovil Town
Chesterfield goalscorers: Jack Simpson (43′, 55′), Josh Koroma (45′), Joel Randall (89′).
Yeovil goalscorers: Slavi Spasov (39′ pen), James Daly (78′), Hayden Muller (82′).
Venue: SMH Group Stadium
Chesterfield starting line-up
Zach Hemming; Remeao Hutton, Alfie Pond, Jack Simpson, Lewis Gordon; Ryan Stirk, Kiano Dyer; Liam Mandeville, Louie Marsh, Josh Koroma; Lee Bonis.
Substitutes used: Dilan Markanday, Joel Randall, Fraser Bryden, Dylan Duffy and George McEachran.
Attendance: 4,010 (including 514 away supporters).
