Just seven days after a limp defeat at Port Vale and the cancellation of a Sunday off, Chesterfield dealt out a season’s-best thrashing to crestfallen Crewe.
Sparkling in the first half against Colchester in midweek, Paul Cook’s side sparkled in the opening 45 again, only this time furnishing their good football with five goals.
Some Crewe supporters appeared to head for home after seeing their team cut apart four times and it looked like a few more didn’t take their seats for the second half after Liam Mandeville made it 5-0. Credit to those who stuck it out.
Cook’s bolder-than-usual team selection paid dividends.
Of the five players given their chance, Tom Naylor, Fraser Bryden and the irrepressible Mandeville all scored while Tom Pearce and goalkeeper Zach Hemming also stuck up their hands to start again down at Newport on Friday.
It would take a brave man to change things after this.
As Storm Boelo raged, the second half was something of a non-event.
Charlie McNeill’s reply ensured that Crewe at least “won” the second half, scant consolation for a team which started the day third in League Two.
Their manager, Lee Bell, joined Colchester’s Danny Cowley in saying Chesterfield were the best team they have played this season.
Here’s our ratings from the game.
1. Zach Hemming 6
Zach Hemming 6: In for his first competitive start since March, couldn't have wished for a gentler re-introduction. Not much to do, although he did have to be on his toes a bit more in the second half. Photo: Leila Coker
2. Remeao Hutton 7
Remeao Hutton 7: Nice pass down the channel set Liam Mandeville free to cross for the opening goal. Otherwise another a typical Hutton display. Not many have been more consistent this season. Photo: Brian Eyre
3. Alfie Pond 8
Alfie Pond 7: Hardly "under the pump" for long periods but the still developing centre-half was diligent and switched on throughout. Played beyond his years. Photo: Tina Jenner
4. Jack Simpson 7
Jack Simpson 7: No captain's armband this time but backed up a solid midweek shift against Colchester with another one here alongside Alfie Pond in wet, defender-unfriendly conditions. Photo: Brian Eyre