Ollie Banks's early strike and a Gary Roberts penalty have put Chesterfield on course for three points against Oxford United that could see them extend their lead at the top of League Two.

Banks's opener came on eight minutes when he brought down a Roberts cross with his chest before firing the ball into the bottom left of Ryan Clarke's net to give the Spireites the perfect start.

Chesterfield were then awarded a penalty when Deane Smalley was adjudged to have pushed Ian Evatt in the box and, with barely a quarter of an hour played, Roberts tucked home the spot kick to put the Derbyshire club in control.

Oxford were unable to pressure the Spireites defence as the U's failed to register a single shot at goal in the opening 40 minutes, despite having almost as much possession as their opponents.

Chesterfield started this game just a point ahead of second-placed Scunthorpe United.