Chesterfield beat Oldham Athletic 3-1 in a match that the home side controlled for long stretches, though Oldham made them work harder than the final scoreline suggests.
The opening quarter was breathless. Lee Bonis put Oldham ahead in the 20th minute, only for Chesterfield to turn the game around within six minutes. Kane Drummond equalised at 22 minutes, then Chey Dunkley headed Chesterfield in front four minutes later. Mike Fondop added a third before the half-hour was out, and the hosts looked to be coasting.
Kyle McFadzean and Malik Owolabi-Belewu both came on at half-time alongside James Berry, signalling that one or both managers sought to change the shape of the second half. Oldham, to their credit, pressed and eventually found a way back into the contest through W. Dickson on 73 minutes, cutting the deficit to two goals.
That spark briefly threatened to change the game's character. Chesterfield responded immediately, however, with Drummond scoring his second of the evening just a minute later to restore the two-goal cushion and effectively settle the matter.
Kai Payne came on in the 76th minute for Chesterfield, Josh Hawkes followed four minutes later, and a late goal credited at 86 minutes, with Kane Taylor also introduced around that time, rounded off a comfortable enough evening for the home side.
Chesterfield move forward with a measure of confidence. Oldham must regroup.
Recap generated from the event timeline. Editorial team review by request. How we use AI.
