After 15 shots and 70 per cent of possession in Saturday’s tie at Fleetwood Town, they really should be in it.
The only stats that mattered were 1 and 0, the decisive blow struck by the boot of a certain Ched Evans.
Chesterfield played some lovely stuff in the second half and deserved to take the tie to penalties. Fleetwood will argue they deserved to edge it for a stubborn backs-to-the-wall defensive effort.
The plusses for the losers were some promising signs from their clutch of newcomers, all of whom will be in the frame for this weekend’s much more important League Two opener back at the SMH.
In the meantime here’s my stab at player ratings from Saturday’s game.
1. IM5_9623.jpg
Chesterfield tussle with Fleetwood Town in Saturday's season opener Photo: Tina Jenner
2. Ryan Boot: 5
Ryan Boot 5: Positioning and handling all up to his usual standards but one moment of hesitation let Fleetwood in for the only goal Photo: Barrington Coombs
3. Remeao Hutton: 7
Remeao Hutton 7: The new right-back can shift. Showed some nice touches and plenty of go-forward. Good debut Photo: Tina Jenner
4. Kyle McFadzean: 6
Kyle McFadzean : Handed the captaincy. A solid shift from the veteran centre-half and very little to deal with after half time Photo: Barrington Coombs