THE strength of Town's development system was shown by the invitations handed out to five players for England Youth trials.

But the value of experience at first-team level was illustrated as boss Ian Greaves reshuffled his side to score a 1-0 home win over Chesterfield.

Having suffered successive relegations, Greaves was determined Town made their mark in the Third Division (the current League I).

But going into the fourth game of the season, Town had recorded a win (2-1 at home to Cambridge), a draw (1-1 at Watford) and a disappointing defeat (4-2 at Port Vale).

Former top-flight men Jimmy Nicholson, Dennis Clarke and Steve Smith had all been dropped for the game in the Potteries.

But they returned to face Joe Shaw's early- season pacesetters, a clash which attracted just 6,164 to the vast old Leeds Road stadium.

And they had the desired effect as Town, who had also suffered a 1-0 League Cup first-round defeat at divisional rivals York, produced their best perfomance of the season so far.

The game's only goal was notched by Irish striker Mick Fairclough, who had been rushed back from a shin injury suffered on the opening day to replace Phil Summerill, absent with a damaged ankle picked up at Port Vale.

Fairclough had the simple task of netting from three yards out after Alan Gowling supplied a beautifully weighted centre.

The move had been started by Northern Ireland international Nicholson, who provided steadiness, quick thinking and a seemingly endless supply of through balls from midfield.

Nicholson's authority meant Les Chapman could concentrate on what he did best - getting down the wing and crossing the ball - and it was amazing Town didn't score more.

Defender Terry Dolan, who impressed next to transfer-listed former West Brom right-back Clarke, was the unluckiest man on the field, his effort being amazingly saved by Jim Brown.

"This was terrific attacking football. Only the goals were missing," said Greaves.

"At least Mick Fairclough managed to score, which is ironic, because he shouldn't really have been playing against Chesterfield.

"He has only just come out of hospital after his injury and should really have had a couple of games in the Reserves to sharpen up.

"However the injury to Phil Summerill meant we had to rush him back in, and he worked very hard throughout the match."

Of the five teenage international trialists, only left-back Paul Garner faced Chesterfield.

The others were goalkeeper Dick Taylor, central defender Peter Hart, midfielder Steve Spriggs and striker Bob Newton.