Rai Simons scored for Chesterfield’s reserves as they got their campaign off to a winning start after beating Doncaster Rovers 3-2 in the Final Third Development League at the Proact Stadium.

Simons, who signed for Chesterfield at the end of last season, acrobatically hooked in a volley from a corner after 30 minutes to restore his team’s lead last night.

Chesterfield opened the scoring in the 20th minute when a floated Dion Donohue corner found Byron Harrison at the back post to head home past Rovers goalkeeper Marko Marosi.

However, Liam Mandeville brought the visiting side level within a minute with his shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Then, after Simons made it 2-1, Mandeville netted again just before the interval, finding the top corner with his effort to tie the score.

After the interval, Chesterfield maintained control and Jake Beesley went close for the home side after a fine right-wing run and an exchange of passes with Simons but once in the box he screwed his shot wide.

With 15 minutes to go, Chesterfield took the lead when a ball over the top found Harrison, his initial touch took him wide but he then cut inside and drilled home low into the bottom corner to seal the win.

Chesterfield’s next reserve game is away to Gateshead next Monday.