Carlisle United v Chesterfield, 12 September 2000

Chesterfirld's second away win of the week and Carlisle United's second home defeat of the week saw the visitors establish their place at the top while United continued to slide following an encouraging start. With Spireites manager Nicky Law recovering from a knee operation, his players sent a perfect 'get well soon' message by soon easing into a three goal lead. Ryan Williams started the onslaught when he won and took an early corner. United only cleared as far as Marcus Ebdon whose 25-yarder left Luke Weaver unsighted for his first goal since November 1998. Luke Beckett combined with Roger Willis on the half hour for the latter to make no mistake from ten yards. Williams then got on the scoresheet in spectacular fashion. Picking the ball up half way inside the Carlisle half, he advanced to send another 25-yard shot whizzing past Weaver. The Cumbrians were given some hope when Ian Stevens glanced home a lovely header from Tony Hemmings' left wing free-kick on the stroke of half-time. Willis confirmed Chesterfield's win with another close range effort after Weaver blocked Steve Payne's 12-yard drive . Another unstoppable 25-yard thunderbolt - this time from Carl Heggs - gave some consolation to the home fans but didn't save United from manager Ian Atkins' anger.