Gary Caldwell impressed by Exeter’s performance against Chesterfield

Exeter manager Gary Caldwell was delighted with the performance of his team as they cruised into the third round of the FA Cup with a 2-0 win against his former club Chesterfield.

The Grecians dominated the game from minute one, but it took until the stroke of half-time before they went in front through Tristan Crama’s back-post header.

Chesterfield, whose 500 travelling fans gave Caldwell plenty of stick, rallied after the break, but when Josh Magennis tapped in from close range to make it 2-0, the tie was over and it is Exeter that can look forward to Monday’s third-round draw.

“The win was down to the players and the way that we performed right from the start of the game,” Caldwell said.

“We controlled possession, Chesterfield are a possession-based team at their level, and we knew we had to be brave and dominate the ball and we did that.

“We created chances and the only disappointing thing from the day was that we didn’t score more goals.

“We had opportunities to score more goals, but the good thing was that we played through the thirds better, we created more opportunities and if we continue to do that, then we will score goals.

“I am delighted with the team and the attitude of the players. Cup ties against lower-league teams are never easy, but we were spot on today.

“Clean sheets are always the building block to a good performance and it was good to get another one again and I am delighted we are through to the next round.

“The first goal was again from a set-piece and that gave us a cushion and again, it shows the importance of set-pieces in a game that was tight as Chesterfield were compact, tight and hard to break down.

“But I felt we could have scored a lot more with the threat that we had, especially out wide.”

Chesterfield boss Paul Cook bemoaned his side’s defending.

He told the club’s official media channels: “We gave bad goals away at really bad times.

“The game in the first half wasn’t much of an event. There was not a lot happening at both ends of the pitch, both teams were cancelling each other out.

“We just gave a soft goal away. We were growing and growing and then we turn over possession in the middle of the pitch. We gave the ball away, a breakaway and all of a sudden it is 2-0.

“Not game over, but we are up against it with a mountain to climb. I thought our lads kept going.”