Chesterfield 0, Basingstoke Town 1

MATT Warner booked his place among Basingstoke Town's legends when his first-half strike earned the Dragons a famous FA Cup win over League One Chesterfield.

Town provided the shock win of the first round at Saltergate on Saturday by upsetting a team who have beaten two Premiership sides and taken another to a penalty shoot-out this season.

Warner's first time volley in the 25th minute proved enough to earn Francis Vines' side a place in the second round, where they will travel to either Chelmsford City or Hampshire rivals Aldershot on the weekend of December 2.

It was a result that Town's play on the day fully deserved. They had the better of the first half and while the Spireites piled on the pressure after the break, Basingstoke held out, with Joe Dolan and Joe Bruce superb in defence.

Vines made alterations to the team that came back so well to earn a draw against Fisher Athletic last Saturday. David Ray returned to the right-back slot, having recovered from a concussion sustained against Worcester City, and Warner found himself on the right side of midfield, with Ben Wells moving inside.

Up front, Vines paired top scorer James Taylor with the pace of Cristian Levis. Neville Roach, Simieon Howell and Francis Quarm all dropped to the bench.

Seven of the Chesterfield team who were beaten on penalties by Charlton last Tuesday made the starting line-up.

In front of a crowd of 3,539, including 440 travelling Town fans, Basingstoke began the game well and got the goal they deserved in the 25th minute.

David Stroud made a good run down the left wing and he passed the ball to Robert Watkins, who was on the overlap. The left-back put a great ball into the box that was just missed by Taylor before falling to Warner at the back post.

The winger hit a first time left-footed volley past 'keeper Roche, who got something on it but was unable to prevent the shot hitting the back of the net, sparking scenes of wild celebration among the players and travelling fans.

After this, Chesterfield came into the game more. Stuart Searle had to be alert to save from Paul Hall, who also put in a great ball for Colin Larkin just before half-time.

The striker beat Joe Bruce for pace, leaving him one-on-one with Searle. The 'keeper came out to meet him but was unable to get to the ball and just clipped Larkin's foot as he went past.

Had he gone down, the referee may well have given a penalty, but he decided to stay on his feet only to see the ball run out for a goal-kick.

Throughout the second half, Town had their backs firmly to the wall as Chesterfield pressed for the equaliser.

Manager Roy McFarland introduced Caleb Folan, who scored against Manchester City, West Ham and Charlton during the Spireites' fine Carling Cup run and the striker almost had an immediate impact when a header down by Wayne Allison found him in the box. However, Searle reacted well and got down quickly to make a block.

The 'keeper also had to be on top form in the 74th minute when Mark Hughes bundled his way through the defence, only to see his low shot well blocked.

For the remaining chances, Chesterfield were restricted to long-range efforts. Taylor even had a chance to put the game beyond doubt when he picked up a poor kick from Roche 25 yards out. However, the 'keeper redeemed himself by saving well at Taylor's feet.

Referee Gavin Ward somehow found four minutes of injury time at the end of the game, but Town's defence held out to earn the club one of its best-ever cup wins and £16,000 in prize money.

Chesterfield: Barry Roche, Alan O'Hare, Jamie Lowry, Aaron Downes, Janos Kovacs, Paul Hall (sub Jamie Jackson 68min), Nathan Adam Smith, Mark Hughes (sub Gareth Davies 82min), Derek Niven, Colin Larkin (sub Caleb Folan 58min), Wayne Allison. Subs (not used): Shane Nicholson, Reuben Hazell
Basingstoke Town: Stuart Searle, David Ray, Joe Bruce, Robert Watkins, Joe Dolan, Ben Wells, Matt Warner, Ben Surey, Cristian Levis (sub Neville Roach 59min), James Taylor, David Stroud. Subs (not used): Simieon Howell, Justyn McKay, Jason Bristow, Francis Quarm.

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