Substitutes impress but too many below average performances: Our player ratings from Chesterfield's defeat to Alfreton Town

Kyle Letheren 7

Made three or four decent stops. Wasn’t at fault for either goal. Fumbled a corner in the first half but other than that it was a solid showing from the new signing.

Jordan Cropper 5

Not found the form he showed last season yet. Was involved in one nice move with Joe Rowley down the right in the second half which almost led to a goal.

Josef Yarney 5

Just like at Belper he tried to join in some attacks but he needs to improve his distribution and crossing.

Will Evans 5

Had a tough afternoon up against Alfreton’s front players who caused Chesterfield’s defence all sorts of problems in the first half.

Haydn Hollis 5

Will be happy to get 70 minutes under his belt in his first outing in pre-season. Almost scored at one end but his shot was blocked. Had a let off when his weak back header was collected by Alfreton’s Elliott Reeves but Letheren got him out of jail with a good save.

David Buchanan 5

Delivered a couple of dangerous crosses from the left which Denton and Smith almost scored from. Was up against a very lively player in Reeves who caused him some problems.

Milan Butterfield 5

Alfreton allowed him no time on the ball and pressed him well. Replaced by Regan Hutchinson on 73 minutes.

Liam Mandeville 5

Similar to Butterfield in that he was not allowed any time to get on the ball and dictate play. A sloppy pass in the first half almost led to a goal for the hosts. Came off for Joe Rowley just after the hour-mark.

Jonathan Smith 7

Chesterfield’s best player. After his two goals against Belper, he went close a couple of times again, particularly in the second half. A very energetic and box-to-box performance.

Tom Denton 5

Caused Alfreton problems early on in the first half, going close with a header from Buchanan’s cross. Excellent in helping the Blues defend corners with two great headed clearances. But overall didn’t do enough to affect the game.

Scott Boden 5

Started brightly and was involved in a lot of Chesterfield’s early play but was caught offside several times throughout the game. Showed clever movement but just needs to time his runs better.

Jamie Sharman 7

Played the last 20 minutes and was excellent on the right side of a back three. Went on a mazy run past a couple of players on one occasion. Also played a lovely through ball to Luke Rawson which carved the Alfreton defence apart. Assistant manager John Dungworth was impressed with Sharman after the game.

Laurence Maguire 7

Like Sharman, the substitute was very calm and assured on the ball. He picked out some nice passes into midfield and brought the ball out of defence. Would like to see him and Sharman start against Guiseley next week.

Joe Rowley 7

Came on for Mandeville and did well. Played just behind the strikers and caused some problems. Glided past a couple of players with ease and saw a lot of the ball. Encouraging.

Luke Rawson 6

The substitute had a glorious chance to equalise with 15 minutes to go when Sharman’s defence-splitting pass put him one-on-one with George Willis in the Alfreton goal. The striker composed himself and was unlucky to see his effort hit the inside of the post. Just needs that first goal.

Regan Hutchinson 6

Played the last 15 minutes in place of Butterfield. When he made his debut last season against Harrogate he played out wide but he has been used centrally so far.

Jack McKay 6

Came on down the right flank and got involved straight away. Didn’t do anything wrong.