Chesterfield manager James Rowe said his team was creating “something special” this season, after knocking out League Two Salford. 

Liam Mandeville’s superb strike and a last-minute effort from Jim Kellerman gave the National League chart-toppers a spot in Monday’s third-round draw, despite having over ten players unavailable for the game. 

Mandeville’s impressive effort crashed in against the crossbar, giving Chesterfield the lead in the 28th minute, he went on to celebrate by chewing on his teammate’s foot.

This celebration comes from a viral video from a Salford City owner and Manchester United legend, Paul Scholes made with his daughter where he was biting off her toenails.

The Chesterfield fans could be seen hanging over the barriers, jumping around, and throwing balloons after the goal was scored.

Based on the statistics, Salford dominated with 65% possession and 20 shots with nine of them on target. 

After a couple of guilt-edged chances missed by Jordan Turnbull and Brandon Thomas-Asante were saved by Chesterfield goalie Scott Loach, it just did not seem like Salford’s night in front of goal. 

In the 86th minute, Chesterfield forward, James Kellerman, sealed the victory for The Spireites after he smashed the ball into the roof of the net. 

Salford’s loss was seen by 1,997 in attendance at the game, 975 of which were from Chesterfield.

Luke Harding, 21-year-old Salford fan at the game, said “Chesterfield played exceptionally tonight, nothing we could have done about about it, they look too good for this level.”

He continuted, “I’m sure we’ll be playing them next year because surely they’ll get promoted, the way they look.”

Jamie Hill, a 25-year-old fan from Salford, was disappointed that Salford lost, but could not deny that Chesterfield was a strong competitor.

Mr Hill said “although Salford had the ball a lot throughout the game, I was so impressed with Chesterfield’s determination to press and push high up the pitch to create chances for themselves.

I think this has given Salford a much needed reality check in terms of the competitiveness in lower league football.”

Hill paused before continuing, “Even though it wasn’t Salford City’s night, the whole group can learn from this and come back fighting stronger next season, and progress further in the FA cup.”

 

Gary Bowyer shared his post-match thoughts, saying “On reflection, it’s probably a bit like we were at the beginning of the season where we’ve created chances, we’ve had balls flashed across the box, but we’ve not been clinical enough.”

Bowyer went on to add: “We’re just disappointed we’ve not seized that opportunity to progress, but congratulations to them. We’ll take the analysis from this then all focus switches to Barrow.”

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