James Rowe 'excited' about Chesterfield's season after FA Trophy win against Boston United
The hosts went ahead early in the second half when Scott Garner headed in a corner at the far post with young Spireites goalkeeper Dylan Wharton caught underneath the ball on his debut.
But Town equalised from a corner of their own when Haydn Hollis glanced in Jak McCourt’s delivery with 15 minutes to go.
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Hide AdAnd Wharton, 18, then became the hero of the night as he saved Boston’s first spot-kick from ex-Spireite Jordan Burrows.
Another former Town player, Connor, Dimaio, fired his penalty wide before Tom Whelan hit the winner as Chesterfield advanced to the fifth round after a 4-1 victory.
Boss Rowe said: “We have put ourselves in a really exciting position. We are four points off the play-offs and we are in the last 16 of the trophy. It is what we need as a community and a town to aim for something.
“Young Dylan needs to learn from the corner but other than that his performance as a 18-year-old was exceptional and obviously he saved the penalty in the shootout as well.
“He has worked really hard since I have come in.
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Hide Ad“He has deserved that moment and I was really delighted for him.
“I had a smile from ear-to-ear when he saved the first penalty.
“He can take confidence from that and he will never ever forget for the rest of his life.”
“The lads gave him a round of applause there and he will remember that day for the rest of his life.”
Town face a trip to Aldershot Town in the next round.
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Hide AdOn the performance overall, Rowe added: “We showed great character to come back from one-nil down.
“I thought we created three clear-cut opportunities in the first half but did not punish them and we paid the price.
“I was really pleased with Joe Rowley and Liam Mandeville, they were a threat with the ball and they worked hard.
“A few of the lads said they felt leggy and it was a big ask to come here against a team who have not lost since December 5 so it is pleasing to get the victory.”