Chesterfield’s unbeaten home record came to an end as an early Josh Woods goal and second-half strikes from Zach Awe and Jimmy Knowles gave Accrington a much-needed 3-0 victory.

Spireites manager Paul Cook received a yellow card in the first half for protesting an almost certain handball in the box by a Stanley defender, but the referee dismissed the claim.

Woods put Accrington in front with a straightforward tap-in after goalkeeper Ryan Boot had saved a free-kick that rebounded against a post.

The visitors doubled their lead in the 65th minute after superb passing led to Awe slotting the ball past Boot with a cool finish.

Tyler Walton crossed for substitute Knowles to tap in from close range in the 69th minute and give Accrington a comfortable lead.

And Stanley’s defence was too formidable to give Chesterfield any hope of a dramatic comeback.