Chesterfield's win against Notts County 'could not have gone any better', says manager James Rowe

Gavin Gunning scored his first goal for the club when his first-half free-kick from out wide missed everyone and nestled in the net.

Overall it was a very professional performance from Town who had not played for three weeks and had only had three days of training after another Covid isolation period.

Rowe, who said the players wore the badge with pride, explained: “I thought the first half was the best we have played since I have been here because of the opposition we were facing. We did not give them a second to breath.

“To come here and dominate like we did was very impressive.

“In and out of possession we did really well.

“They dominated the first five minutes, had a couple of shots, but when it settled down I thought we were so good in the first half.

“Our front two were excellent in the first half I thought in particular.

“I am really proud of the players and the staff, they have worked incredibly hard since we have been back in on Wednesday and I think that showed.

“In the second half they came into it, they had a spell for 15-20 minutes after they changed their shape.”

He added: “I thought we dug in during the second half and had three good chances to kill it off.

“If you were going to write how you wanted it to go today I don’t think it could have gone any better.

“To come away here and win after 30 days off out of 55 and them being on the back of four wins, it does not get any better than that.

“It is a shame the supporters could not be here today but we want to wear the badge with pride and I think we showed that again.”

Goalkeeper Grant Smith made his Spireites debut and looked assured throughout.

Rowe said he promised Smith he would play him in the postponed FA Trophy match against Aldershot so wanted to give him his opportunity.

“He came for things, his kicking was excellent and his communication was good as well,” the Blues boss said.