Chelsea predictably outclassed battling National League side Chesterfield to cruise into the FA Cup fourth round with an emphatic victory at Stamford Bridge.
In an atmosphere wonderfully enhanced by the noisy and colourful presence of around 6,000 Spirites fans, the Champions League holders stamped their class on proceedings immediately to illustrate the huge gulf between the clubs.
Chelsea, second in the Premier League with Chesterfield in the same position in their division, fielded a strong side and took only four minutes to open the scoring as Timo Werner bundled home from close range.
Callum Hudson-Odoi's curled finish doubled Chelsea's advantage before Romelu Lukaku added a third and Andreas Christensen's looping header made it 4-0 before the break.
Hakim Ziyech scored Chelsea's fifth from the spot in the 55th minute after substitute Calvin Miller fouled Christian Pulisic but the big moment - and biggest cheers - came 10 minutes from time when Chesterfield substitute Akwasi Asante turned in a rebound after Marcus Bettinelli saved from Kabongo Tshimanga.
It was a moment of unforgettable, unconfined joy for Chesterfield and their fans - and fully merited for their tireless contribution to an entertaining FA Cup third round tie.
Chesterfield manager James Rowe later said: "It was very special. Great to get the goal at the end for us and the supporters and what a proud day to be a Spireite. Half time was about recollecting our thoughts because the line ups surprised us a bit. It was a great lesson for us on the transitions, and we focussed at half time and drew the second half 1-1.
"It was exciting to take the line up back into the dressing room and a pinch me moment for some of the players. The most important thing was that we didn't let the day slip away from us and we didn't, the subs included, everyone on the pitch gave their all and that is all you can ask when there is such a gulf in technical quality and tactical quality. I'm so proud of the second half, and to give the fans a goal to cheer was a remarkable end to a great run."
On Akuasi Asante's goal, he added: "He's been out for nine months with an ACL injury, so it was great for him to come back on his third appearance and score. It was a great noise, too, and something we can all remember."
