Paul is Cooking.

A dismal away day showing from Tranmere so far. Chesterfield winning every second ball and more importantly the match without breaking a sweat.

Lee Turnbull
Former Chesterfield player on BBC Radio Sheffield

It's brilliant again from the Spireites. Louie Marsh and Joel Randall linking up on that left-hand side.

Marsh drops onto his favoured right peg on the angle, about 20 yards out, whips one towards goal.

You’re expecting the net to bulge but unfortunately for Chesterfield it hits the crossbar, bounced out, and the chance was lost.

Great forward play from the Spireites. They've been excellent in this first half and causing Tranmere all sorts of trouble.

Bolton spent £1m on Joel Randall a few years ago and you can see why at times. His movement and use of the ball from the Chesterfield left has been excellent so far. The only mystery so far is how it's only 1-0.

What an effort! Tranmere back off the in-form Louie Marsh, which is unwise at best as the Sheffield United loanee bends in a shot from the edge of the area which cannons off the underside of the bar!

So unlucky for Chesterfield.

Image source, Shutterstock

Tranmere's tricky start takes another turn as winger Zane Okoro tweaks a muscle making a challenge and he can't carry on.

On comes Dylan Jones in his place.

Ahhh, it could and maybe should be two! Tranmere make a hash of dealing with a long throw as Harrison Male fluffs his punch and Zane Okoro can't clear. The ball eventually breaks to Joel Randall and he screws a shot wide.

Lee Turnbull
Former Chesterfield player on BBC Radio Sheffield

Tranmere have had a couple of half chances but we haven't seen a lot from them. The Spireites have been the dominant side in this game.

They look confident, they're retaining possession, and they're creating opportunities in wide areas with Joel Randall and Dilan Markanday. They've started this game really well.

Chesterfield will hope they can build on this lead now.

Chesterfield's work on and off the ball is a step above Tranmere at the moment. They look sharp.

Lee Turnbull
Former Chesterfield player on BBC Radio Sheffield

Dilan Markanday only scores spectacular goals. This was equally as good as the goal against York City.

He picks the ball up by the touchline on the right-hand side, high in an attacking area. He skins Jacob Slater, the left-back of Trammere, drives in towards goal and then bends it magnificently into the far corner. Harrison Male has no chance.

Magnificent from Markanday.

BIG shout for handball as Chesterfield striker Lee Bonis sees a shot blocked. Paul Cook's side have really stepped it up now and are moving the ball quickly.

Tranmere have only won away from home once in 2026 and are up against it now, as Tom Conlon goes into the book for volleying a defender in the shins. Ouch.

Hmmm, we were promised lots of chances and action in this one but it's been a slowish start in the sun. There is half a chance though as in-form Louie Marsh makes a run in behind and slices a shot wide of the near post for the Spireites.

Lee Turnbull
Former Chesterfield player on BBC Radio Sheffield

Tranmere are happy to sit in in this game.

Their shape out of possession is a 4-5-1. They sit deep in a low block and they’re hard to break down.

The first booking of the day is brandished to Spireites boss Paul Cook - he is fuming down there at something or other. Still angry about the goal they were denied at Cheltenham last week...

Ryan Boot comes out well in the Chesterfield goal to claim a cross before zinging a diagonal downfield pass that Ederson would be pleased with. He's a few inches out from sending Dilan Markanday in on goal. Superb.

Postpublished at 3 mins

3 mins

Chesterfield 0-0 Tranmere

What an absolutely glorious day in Derbyshire. You wouldn't know we were weeks away from the perils of Halloween and bonfire night.

Chesterfield making all the early running with Tranmere content to sit in for now.

Lee Turnbull
Former Chesterfield player on BBC Radio Sheffield

Both sides like to stick the ball in the onion bag don’t they? I’m really excited about seeing this Chesterfield side develop and grow together

The teams are unchanged which tells me the managers are happy with their players.

It will come down to that quality for me in the final third to create the opportunities to get the goals to win the game.

Away we go!