Fleetwood started life after Charlie Adam with a much-needed 2-0 victory over Chesterfield.

The 39-year-old former Scotland midfielder was sacked following a woeful run of just one victory in 12 games in all competitions.

New boss Pete Wild, who addressed the club’s hospitality supporters prior to kick-off, watched on from the stands as the Cod Army gave their home fans a Christmas treat with only a second home league win since the opening day.

Matty Virtue broke the deadlock in the 28th minute as he coolly fired home after getting on the end of Ryan Graydon’s through ball.

Cod Army goalkeeper David Harrington showed his skills with a brilliant triple save to deny Liam Mandeville, Kane Drummond and Dilan Markanday on the stroke of half-time.

There was still time for the stopper to keep out Mandeville once more before the break.

Down the other end, visiting keeper Max Thompson did well to deny Ronan Coughlan while the Spireites saw Jamie Grimes’ header ruled out for offside with 20 minutes left.

But Kian Harratt ushered in a new era in style with a stunning late strike as play-off contenders Chesterfield’s three-game winning run came to an end.

Jay Lynch, who replaced the injured Harrington in the second half, produced two good late stops.