'Inventive and cheeky' - player ratings from a good night in the EFL Trophy for Chesterfield

The match turned out to be a treat for the 1,400 plus die-hards who turned out to watch it, complete with eight goals and inventive play from players free of the shackles of a tense league game.

Some of City’s attacks were laced with top-flight quality and Paul Cook’s young side also played some really good stuff.

The 5-3 win stuck Chesterfield’s first three points on the board in Group D and although most if not all of the starting XI won’t start against York City on Saturday, it is clear the club has some talent in reserve.

All those involve deserve a decent mark for their efforts on the night and that is reflected in these ratings:

James Sissons 7: The teenage goalkeeper was understandably nervy before his full debut but settled well. Nothing much could do about any of the goals and made a clutch of decent saves.

Junior Eccleston 8: Still only 19, a similar age to many in the City team, but played like a thoroughbred. Got up and down the right flank, picked out Bryden for his goal and bagged one himself. A strong rival to first-choice right-back Remeao Hutton on this form.

Alfie Pond 7: Not easy keeping tabs on City’s fleet-footed kids and the sudden change of pace in their attacks. Still feeling his way in at Chesterfield and did a sound job overall.

Chey Dunkley 7:Not in Chesterfield’s EFL squad but free to play in the Trophy. Shaky in the first half, understandably given his lack of game time. Settled down after his goal and marshalled the back line.

Tom Pearce 7: Still getting back up to speed after injury. The 90 minutes will stand him in good stead.

Rafiq Lamptey 8: The long-striding Millwall loanee attacked the space afforded him and used the ball well. Showed flashes of Championship quality.

Kiano Dyer 9: An inventive and cheeky little box of tricks. The Chelsea loanee was a joy to watch. Worth a 9 for that alone.

Danny Anisjko 7: Some things came off for him, some didn’t, but typified the freedom that so many in both teams played with on the night.

Tom Naylor 7: Added experience to a young group. Nice cut-back to Joel Randall for the opening goal and had an assist in another.

Joel Randall 7: Three appearances, two goals. What’s not to like? Even if they were both from “can’t miss” distance. Gave Paul Cook 45 useful minutes before coming off at half time.

Fraser Bryden 7: The willing no.9 worked his socks, put himself about and clipped in a nicely taken goal, his first in a blue shirt.

Subs:

Louie Marsh (for Randall 46) 7: Came on for the second half and helped keep attacks moving. His stoppage-time goal made it three in four games since his loan switch from Sheffield United.

Alex Whitney (for Pearce 46) 7: Returned from his loan at Hyde United to play

Connor Cook (for Naylor 75) 7: Rare glimpse of Paul Cook’s son. Had a shot blocked and his flick-on led to Eccleston’s goal.

Remeao Hutton (for Eccleston 79): N/A, Lewis Gordon (for Anisjko 84) N/A

Not used: Josh Koroma