Six talking points as Chesterfield batter Barnet and Akwasi Asante scores hat-trick

Rowe’s rout

This was one of the best Chesterfield performances in many years and it has left the Spireites fanbase excited and dreaming about a bright future. The Rowe era has only just got underway, and the man himself was very grounded in his post-match interview. ‘Ask me at the end of January’ was his response to a question about what they can achieve this season. In the first half, Town had to be patient as good chances for Akwasi Asante and Scott Boden were not converted. It was a different story after the break as the Blues pinned Barnet back in their own half and totally dominated the ball. They switched play quicker and were clinical. Tellingly, Rowe could be heard on the touchline urging them forward for a seventh, while Poor Barnet were desperate to STOP THE COUNT!

The facts

Rowe remains unbeaten with three wins and a draw from four games in charge. They have recorded back-to-back wins for the first time since January. It is now three clean sheets on the bounce. They are the second top scorers in the league behind leaders Torquay United. It is the first time they have won by six goals since they hammered Shrewsbury Town 7-1 in January 2016.

Asante Clause

Christmas came early for Spireites fans as Asante grabbed a hat-trick to make it four goals in as many games since signing from Gloucester City. It looked like being one of those days for the striker when he missed a sitter from close-range when it was goalless but, just like at Weymouth on his debut, he did not let his head drop and he kept getting into scoring positions. His hat-trick goal was absolutely superb.

McClass

Scoring a hat-trick usually guarantees the man of the match award but Jak McCourt ran Asante extremely close for Town’s star performer with a dominant showing in midfield. Two assists and a late goal rounded off a very impressive display. His pass to split the Barnet defence for the opener was sublime. He played a lovely diagonal pass over the top which Joel Taylor chested and crossed for Boden to double Chesterfield’s lead. His corner saw Haydn Hollis make it 3-0. McCourt ran from the halfway line to bundle the ball into the net for his first goal back in his second spell at the club. Rowe said that McCourt was ‘outstanding’ and was his man of the match. Contract needs extending.

Wonderful Wheels

Whelan is fast becoming a fans’ favourite after just three games in a Town shirt. He is full of energy, deceptively quick, likes a tacke and has some clever passes in his locker. He showed his passing range with two assists for Asante’s second and third goals. He looks like a gem.

No entry

Many feared Chesterfield’s leaky defence would not be able to cope with Rowe’s attack-minded approach but that is now three clean sheets in a row for the Blues and only one goal conceded in the last four games. Another mention must go to Haydn Hollis who was excellent again and is marshalling the defence very well.