Report by North Derbyshire Radio’s Ben Smith
Chesterfield were left with a case of derby day despair on Tuesday night, going down 2-0 to bitter rivals Mansfield Town in the EFL Cup first round.
Rhys Oates sent the roughly 1,000 travelling fans at the SMH Group Stadium into early pandemonium with his opening goal, before Will Evans went on to make it two in the second half.
The Spireites entered this eagerly-awaited clash having recorded a second successive win and clean sheet to start the League Two campaign, emerging as 2-0 victors away at Cheltenham Town on Saturday.
That bright beginning provided a timely confidence boost for Paul Cook’s side as they set out in search of a first derby win since 2013, and a first of any kind in this particular competition since a memorable run to the fourth round in 2006.
It was Mansfield, pointless after their first two League One matches, who would get off to
the dream start here, however, with Oates shutting out the intense atmosphere to cooly stroke into the
bottom corner.
And having been ruthless at one end, the away side would have a stand-out performance at the other to thank as their lead held until the break, with goalkeeper Liam Roberts producing smart stops to deny Armando Dobra, Chey Dunkley and Ronan Darcy throughout the first 45.
Roberts’ heroics would prove all the more valuable just before the hour mark, as Evans capitalised on some overplaying in the opposition back-line to steal possession and double the visitors’ advantage.
Nigel Clough would then see his team manage the final third of the game with a creditable comfort, meaning it will be them who take a place in round two.
Tuesday’s result also means the Stags are still yet to lose or concede on 1866 Sheffield Road, having won on all three visits since their rivals’ relocation in 2010.
For Chesterfield, meanwhile, attention will now quickly turn back to league action and Saturday lunchtime, when they are back on home soil to face fellow pre-season favourites Bristol Rovers.
