A brace from ex Chesterfield player Diego De Girolamo secured the hosts a place in the quarter finals to continue to mount their title defence.

The Spireites attempted to split Buxton’s backline in the opening stages of the game, but Goalkeeper Paul Cooper stormed out of his box and played a lofted ball that landed at the feet of Luke Brennan who jinked his way into a shooting position but the shot boomed wide.

Matlock ramped up the gears as a low-cross from Jack Stobbs on the right flank squirmed its way into the chesterfield six-yard box, but Brennan’s shot was mistimed and sailed over the crossbar.

The Spireites showed fighting spirit and launched an attack of their own as Tommy Marshall found an opening to test Cooper in-between the sticks, his effort stung the palms of the goalkeeper but was pushed away and cleared to safety.

In the 20^th minute, Buxton found themselves sail into the lead, Ethan Fitzhugh raced past his man before firing another low-cross into the box eluding the Chesterfield backline and rolled into the path of De Girolamo who rifled it home from short distance.

Buxton double their lead in the 40^th minute, another low cross caused more problems for Chesterfield as Girolamo’s effort was acrobatically saved but fell to Tommy Elliott who failed to convert from close range but one his side a corner which was swung in and volleyed past Ashton Rinaldo to double the lead.

It took just six minutes after the second half commenced for Buxton to move the advantage to three goals, as Elliott’s through ball split the Spireites’ backline and found Cian Coleman who’s audaciously chipped effort sailed over Rinaldo and landed in the back of the goal.

Buxton went into cruise control with neither side able to create any significant chances and made sure they saw out the win in the style of champions.

The full-time whistle rung around the stadium as Buxton continue their aims to defend the Derbyshire FA Senior Challenge Cup as they progress to the quarter finals.

Written by Max Stairs