Big selection calls explained in Chesterfield's win at Accrington Stanley

Boot made his first league start of the season, replacing Zach Hemming, in what was a surprise change between the sticks. Hemming has had a strong season and will be in contention for individual awards but he found himself on the bench on Saturday.

Boot, who has been used as a cup keeper this season, took his chance as he kept a clean sheet and made some important saves. After the game, it was explained that the decision was selection-based and not down to injury.

“Sometimes you just change things up,” Danny Webb said on the decision. “Zach’s had a really good season. He was the first one to run over to Boot at the end and he gave him a big hug and said well done. I am sure Zach was very disappointed that he was not playing but he didn’t show it and he supported his mate.

“He (Boot) has been patient, got his chance and got the clean sheet. It is tough because we have not even had a goalie on the bench for many weeks. He has been excellent. I am really pleased for Ryan. He made a couple of really good saves, commanded his box and his kicking was good.”

Boot came in as one of six changes, with matchwinner Will Dickson another. The young striker bagged the only goal of the game from close-range in the second-half when he turned in Tom Naylor’s cross.

Webb said: “It was a tough person for him to come up against in (Farrend) Rawson. He (Rawson) has been around a long time and he is a strong boy. And yes he won most of the aerial challenge against Will which was to be expected but he did not duck out and he kept grafting. I am really pleased for Will.”

On why Dickson was preferred over Lee Bonis, Webb added: “Lee had a swollen ankle. I am not saying that persuaded everyone to give Will that start but it probably pushed us in that direction. Lee wanted to battle on and be part of the squad so fair play to him.”

The win keeps Chesterfield in the fight for a play-off place with seven games remaining.