Dean Brennan made a single alteration to his lineup, securing a 2-0 triumph against York City on Saturday, courtesy of Callum Stead’s double. Ben Coker was reintroduced to the starting eleven, taking over from Thompson.
The Bees took early control, with Luke Freeman charging into the final third. The match’s intensity picked up with Jordan Cropper’s throw-in, though Chesterfield soon regained possession.
Chesterfield crafted an early opportunity with a clever backheel to their number 10, who found himself one-on-one with Keeley, only to miss wide of the post.
Barnet nearly broke the deadlock in the 8th minute from a corner. Zak Brunt, positioned at the box’s edge, saw his effort smoothly gathered by the goalkeeper. Shortly after, Stead’s attempt was thwarted by Tyrer’s timely intervention.
Approaching the 15th minute, Chesterfield won a free-kick in a promising area, which was eventually deflected for a corner. However, The Bees swiftly neutralized the threat.
Harry Pritchard nearly scored in the 18th minute with a looping header that hit the bar, followed by another Barnet chance on the rebound that also failed to hit the target.
Ben Coker whipped in a promising cross that eluded everyone and landed safely with the goalkeeper.
The 28th minute was bustling with action for Barnet; Cropper’s pass found Pritchard, who couldn’t connect, and despite Stead and O’Donkor’s attempts, the goalkeeper stood firm.
The game’s first goal came in the 39th minute when Michael Jacobs netted for the visitors, giving Chesterfield the lead.
Coker’s precise cross was cleared for a corner, leading to no end product for Barnet. Brunt later unleashed a powerful shot from distance that sailed over as the half ended.
HT: Barnet FC 0 – 1 Chesterfield FC
The second half commenced with Barnet dominating possession but failing to carve out significant chances.
Reece Hall-Johnson replaced Luke Freeman as the first substitution for The Bees.
This was followed by Armstrong taking O’Donkor’s place in the 73rd minute.
Chesterfield doubled their lead in the 79th minute and nearly added a third, but Keeley secured the ball.
The final change for Barnet saw Senior come on for Coker.
Barnet continued to press for a goal in the 7 minutes of added time, to no avail.
FT: Barnet FC 0 – 2 Chesterfield FC
Starting XI: Keeley, Coker (83’ Senior), Okimo, Stead, Freeman (62’ Hall-Johnson), Pritchard, Hartigan, O’Donkor (73’ Armstrong), Stevens, Cropper, Brunt.
Unused Subs: Walker, Wynter.
Attendance: 2393 (756 away)
