Robertson's left leg was fractured in a challenge with Tom Taiwo during the first- half and after emergency attention on the Saltergate pitch, he was taken to Chesterfield Royal Hospital in an ambulance after being stretchered off.

Robertson was kept in hospital overnight and was expected to undergo an operation yesterday (Wednesday).

Chesterfield FC assistant manager Tommy Wright paid tribute to the player and acknowledged that there was 'no animosity' in the tackle that resulted in his demise.

''Gregor has done well since we arrived here in the summer. He is a good footballer.

''We will give him all the help and support he needs to get him back playing again.''

Edinburgh-born Robertson (25) started his professional career with Nottingham Forest before he spent two seasons with Rotherham United.

The player, who can operate in a variety of left-sided positions, moved to Chesterfield in 2007 and has since made a total of 94 appearances.

The leg-break overshadowed the result of the match which saw Chesterfield knocked out of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at the Northern quarter-final stage.

After the final cup game ever to be staged at Saltergate, Wright had words of criticism for the Blues defence.

''We have given away bad goals. Players have not been doing their job – they have been switching off.

''You always have to defend your box or you will be in trouble. It's as simple as that,'' he said.

Manager John Sheridan will be redoubling his search for emergency loans to boost his first-team squad.

He may be wishing to beef up his midfield division after Jamie Lowry was sidelined with a knee problem and the inspirational loanee Donal McDermott returned to Manchester City.

In addition, Wade Small suffered a badly bruised ankle during the FA Cup first round defeat against Bournemouth while Lloyd Kerry moved to Blue Square North neighbours Alfreton Town on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, boss Sheridan was involved in a confrontation with a small number of fans after the 3-1 defeat against League Two leaders Bournemouth.

Although it was the team's first home defeat of the season, it is alledged that Sheridan was heckled from the centre stand and told to go back to Sheffield, a sarcastic reference to his time as a player at Sheffield Wednesday.

Sheridan turned to the fans and advised them to 'stay at home' if they could not back the team.

Sheridan said: ''I don't udnerstand one or two people who are moaning and shouting for me to go back to Sheffield.

''I have only been here three or four months.

''I just don't understand them, so if they want to carry on like that, please stay home,'' said Sheridan.

The Blues boss acknowledged that his team had played poorly but that he and the players were as frustrated and disappointed as any supporter.

After two straight defeats, Chesterfield will be looking to return to winning ways when they travel to promotion candidates Rochdale on Saturday.

It's all pay on the day at Spotland and there are no tickets available in advance.

True Blue Travel departs Cross Street 11.30am. A seat on the coach costs £12 and they can be booked by contacting the club shop on (01246) 246370.

* Chesterfield's second round tie in the FA Youth Cup against Northampton Town will be played away at Sixfields on Tuesday (ko 7pm).

The Spireites youngsters team won through to the second round after beating rivals Mansfield Town 4-1 at Saltergate in the first round.