REACTION: Paul Cook sees positives in latest Carabao Cup exit and reiterates the need for reinforcements

The home side’s early goal from ex-Spireite Ched Evans was enough to send them through despite being pressed back for most of the second half.

It meant “Advantage Fleetwood” heading into next week’s League Two opener between the two back at at the SMH.

"Fleetwood aren’t easy to break down and that’s when your flair players like Markanday, Sotiriou, Koroma and Mandeville have to produce,” said Cook. “We needed a moment of magic. We had a couple of big chances so we were disappointed not to get through and get Ash and Sharon (Kirk) a good tie and unfortunately we couldn’t do that.

"Fleetwood are set up to defend and they’re a very solid unit. It’s their way of playing and they’ve won and that’s what counts. We weren’t great in the first half but I enjoyed way we played in the second half. In my opinion it was just a case of when the goal was coming but it didn’t.”

Chesterfield started with five of their new signings and with injuries biting into numbers, Cook reiterated that reinforcements were needed.

"It is early days for everyone, lots of work to do,” he added.

"We still have a few injury problems. Dylan Duffy and Will Dickson are two big flair players for us and they’re important at the top of the pitch.

"I still think there is a bit of work to do with the squad. I have great support from Sharon and Ash, they support me fantastically well. I do think we need a couple of players but we might need one or two to move out.”

Even though it was a record 14th straight defeat in the League Cup for Chesterfield, three league points against Fleetwood next week would be a tonic.

Added Cook: "If both teams were brutally honest, winning the league game is more important. Total respect. Well done to Fleetwood and good luck in the next round; I hope they get a great tie. We look forward to seeing them next week.”