They were only 10 minutes of the tie remaining and they were 5-0 down when Chesterfield mustered a rare foray forward at Stamford Bridge.
The National League side had never stopped trying, never stopped striving, and their fans had never stopped singing, even as Chelsea banged in goal after goal. Now, as their team attacked the end where they stood, they sensed their moment.
Kabongo Tshimanga ran at the retreating defence and evaded a tackle. His shot was low and true and when Marcus Bettinelli spread himself to save it, it hit his trailing leg and trickled across the goalmouth.
Chelsea booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup with a ruthless 5-1 win over Chesterfield at Stamford Bridge
Akwasi Asante (middle) scored Chesterfield’s only goal in a 5-1 defeat against Chelsea as they crashed out of competition
The goal sparked wild celebration among Chesterfield fans, who were determined to not let the rout spoil the party
Second-half sub Akwasi Asante was waiting there with the empty net beckoning and prodded it home.
The roar from the 6,000 travelling fans in the Shed End echoed from one end of the King’s Road to the other.
They had waited 25 years for this in Chesterfield. A quarter of a century for some closure.
More than two decades to try to wipe away the pain of a 1997 FA Cup semi-final against Middlesbrough that they would have won if they had not been denied a goal by a refereeing mistake. It would have been the greatest shock in FA Cup history.
It would have taken them to the final. Against Chelsea. It had eaten at them since, especially as their fortunes plunged and took them out of the Football League.
And even though they were comprehensively beaten by the European champions, even though in many ways it was a poor substitute for what might have been all those years ago, even though it was only the FA Cup third round, not the final, it felt as if their goal had finally allowed them to draw a line under the injustice that had been visited upon them.
Chesterfield are finally on their way back now anyway and the £300,000 they earned from this will accelerate their progress.
They had started the day at the top of the National League, in the sole automatic promotion spot and even though Halifax had leapfrogged them with a 4-0 win against Eastleigh by the time they kicked off in west London, there is no disguising their upward trajectory.
This is a club on the rise.
There was still no disguising the gulf in class. There was little chance of an upset from the moment the team sheets were released an hour before the game.
Thomas Tuchel had included Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner, Mateo Kovacic, Christian Pulisic and Andreas Christensen.
The National League side were well-beaten but left the home of the current European champions with their heads held high
Chesterfield can now turn their attention on winning promotion back to the Football League following their FA Cup exit
Chesterfield manager James Rowe urged his players to relish playing against European champions and enjoy the occasion
Blues boss Thomas Tuchel (right) picked a strong starting XI for the third round tie against Chesterfield on Saturday
Chelsea nearly took an early lead when Hakim Ziyech rolled a corner towards the edge of the box and Lukaku ran on to it. He hit it well but his curling left footer went too high.
It was a brief reprieve for the visitors. Three minutes later Kovacic set off on a marauding run from deep in his own half.
He skipped past two lunging challenges before sliding the ball out to Ziyech. He tried to bend his shot round Scott Loach but although Loach got a hand to it, he could only deflect it into the path of Werner, who had time to control it before lashing it into the empty net.
Chesterfield had a glimpse of a chance when they floated a clever free-kick into the box to Tshimanga but he failed to take the chance to shoot.
The German boss was immediately rewarded as Timo Werner (centre) opened the scoring inside six minutes
Callum Hudson-Odoi scored Chelsea’s second goal after just 18 minutes to effectively put the third-round tie to bed
Soon after, Chelsea doubled their lead when Callum Hudson-Odoi cut in from the left and curled a delicious right foot shot beyond the despairing Loach.
Chelsea were three up inside 18 minutes. Lewis Hall, 17 years and 122 days old, who had become the youngest player to start an FA Cup game for Chelsea when the whistle blew to start the game, took advantage of some awful Chesterfield dithering on the edge of the box and drilled in a low cross that Lukaku swept past Loach.
The Chesterfield supporters were determined not to let the gathering rout spoil their day. They amused themselves by singing songs about Lukaku’s love for Inter Milan and mocked the Chelsea fans for their silence.
When Lukaku crashed a volley wide from a corner after half an hour, it got the biggest cheer of the day so far.
Romelu Lukaku put a tumultuous start to the year behind him as he scored Chelsea’s third goal of the afternoon
Andreas Christensen was also on the score sheet, putting the Blues 4-0 ahead shortly before halftime in west London
When Lukaku missed another chance a minute later, their joy was unrestrained.
Seven minutes before half-time Chelsea added a fourth. Hall took a pass on the edge of the area and tried to bend his shot into the corner.
It should have been a comfortable save for Loach but he could only parry it into the path of Christensen and the Chelsea centre-half looped a header straight back over the keeper.
With the game effectively over, Chelsea introduced Kai Havertz and Ruben Loftus-Cheek for Kovacic and Lukaku at half-time. It did not disrupt their rhythm
Chelsea are still in the hunt in four competitions and can now look forward to the fourth round draw on Sunday
Hakim Ziyech scored Chelsea’s fifth goal of the afternoon from the penalty spot 10 minutes into the second half
Ten minutes after the interval Pulisic tried to go around Calvin Miller in the box and Miller slipped as he prepared to make his challenge, upending Pulisic. Ziyech took the spot kick and scored.
Now it was the turn of the Chelsea fans to have fun. ‘Are you Tottenham in disguise?’ they sang, a reference to the way their side had taken Spurs apart in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final here last week. Chelsea made more changes.
Lewis Baker replaced Christensen to make his second senior appearance for them, eight years and eight loan spells with eight clubs on from his debut.
As the clock began to tick down, Asante seized his moment in the sun, the Chesterfield supporters went berserk and the pain of 25 years of seething injustice fell away.
Re-live how the action unfolded with Sportsmail’s Max Mathews
The final whistle goes at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea have successfully booked a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Thomas Tuchel men stormed into a three-goal lead within 20 minutes and the outcome was never in doubt. Chesterfield, however, gave their 5,000 travelling fans plenty to cheer as they grabbed a late consolation goal courtesy of Akwasi Asante.
Ryan Longman has come off the bench to score the kind of FA Cup goal he will have dreamt of. The Hull City midfielder curled a stunning effort into the top corner past Asmir Begovic to draw the Tigers level after being set up by George Moncur. Game ON.
Elsewhere, Swansea are level against Southampton thanks to a goal from Kyle Naughton.
Emiliano Marcondes completes his hat-trick and the Championship side have all but booked their sport in the fourth round.
Akwasi Asante has the ball in the back of the next and Chesterfield have their goal. The visitors may be 5-1 down, but you wouldn’t know it judging by the wild celebrations in the away end.
Marcus Bettinelli spilled a shot and Asante tapped the rebound in
Joe Quigley with the goal and the non-league side are back in it! Game ON.
Without meaning to be disrespectful to Chesterfield, who are a good side and have applied themselves well, this game is long over.
I reckon I could come on for Chelsea here and it wouldn’t make too much of a difference. And, believe me, reader, I’m an extremely mediocre player.
If any of my Sportsmail colleagues are reading this blog, they’d agree.
Harvey Vale replaces Pulisic – perhaps a straight swap at right-back, perhaps Hudson-Odoi will move back there and Vale will come onto the wing.
And replacing Christensen is Lewis Baker. What a story this is – 26-year-old Baker has been at the club since he was nine, but it’s only his second appearance, and his first for eight years, according to the commentator.
Hakim Ziyech scores the penalty! Scott Loach goes the right way and maybe gets a glove on it but it’s hard, low and almost in the corner and finds the net.
5-0. The home fans are in full voice now. So are the Chesterfield supporters, to be fair – they’ve done their club proud.
Calvin Miller adjudged to have fouled Christian Pulisic and it’s a spot-kick…
The former Celtic wing-back cut across Pulisic with his body as the US international tried to weave past him. The commentators think it was stonewall but I’m not convinced!
Underway again at Stamford Bridge, while Yeovil v Bournemouth is now at half-time.
A couple of changes for each side, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Kai Havertz coming on for Mateo Kovacic and Romelu Lukaku for Chelsea.
Liam Mandeville replaces Saidou Khan and Calvin Miller replaces Jeff King for the visitors.
Emiliano Marcondes with his second! Just before half-time, that is likely to be a killer blow for Yeovil.
Birmingham v Plymouth is 0-0, Southampton lead Swansea 1-0 and Everton lead Hull 2-1 elsewhere in the 5.30pm kick-offs.
Former Chelsea star Geremi, who spoke on behalf of Genting Casino, has given some interesting thoughts on the Blues.
He said: ‘I read about the Lukaku situation and it is a bit bizarre to me. When you look at his attitude on the pitch, you think ‘maybe this is not true’. He goes over to clap the fans at the final whistle, he fights on the pitch, gives 100%.
‘That performance against Tottenham was not a player who wants to leave Chelsea. Maybe there was a misunderstanding around what he actually said. Lukaku is one of the best in the world, so for Chelsea to lose him would be a big blow. But I don’t think there is a problem.’
Geremi also insisted Chelsea CAN catch Man City in the title race and backed Frank Lampard and John Terry to be top managers.
That’s the break! Chesterfield have tried hard but the champions of Europe are showing their class.
Teenager Lewis Hall shoots from outside the box, Scott Loach parries it back into danger and Andreas Christensen nods it in on the rebound.
Loach will be disappointed with that, and the Dane looped his header in. 4-0. Game over.
Emiliano Marcondes slots home and the visitors lead.
Away captain Gavin Gunning charges into Romelu Lukaku, firmly but fairly, and wins the ball.
The visiting fans absolutely love it.
It’s the small things.
Andre Gomes scores for Everton and the turnaround is complete.
Elsewhere, Yan Valery has been sent off for Southampton against Swansea.
Demarai Gray equalises for Rafa Benitez’ side! All level up north…
After extra time, Barnsley have edged past Barrow 5-4 and Brighton have beaten 10-man West Brom 2-1.
The only match today to go to penalties, QPR vs Rotherham, was won 8-7 by the Championship side.
And, for good measure, Yeovil vs Bournemouth has now kicked off too. As in literally the match has started, they’re not fighting amongst themselves or anything (yet).
This is turning ugly for the National League side now.
Lewis Hall, who’s been really bright so far, capitalises on a defensive error, racing onto a loose ball and laying it across for Romelu Lukaku to tap home.
3-0, and it’s a long, long way back from here.
Another! And is the game over already?
Callum Hudson-Odoi gets the ball on the left touchline and drives inside. No-one gets near him, so he just bends a curling shot into the bottom corner. Simple as that, really.
Ex-Watford stopper Scott Loach makes a good sprawling save from Hakim Ziyech to keep it at 1-0. Dangerous times for Chesterfield.
Some signs they’re playing their way into this game, though.
Nathan Redmond with the opener for the Saints!
The hosts give it away, Nathan Tella slides it through to Redmond and he makes no mistake.
Nightmare start for the visitors!
Mateo Kovacic starts the move with a trademark bursting run through midfield, feeds Hakim Ziyech – whose shot is partially blocked but falls to Timo Werner on the line, who has the simplest task to tap in.
1-0 already!
Birmingham vs Plymouth, Hull vs Everton and Swansea vs Southampton all kicked off too.
Hull went ahead one minute in via Tyler Smith! Yeovil vs Bournemouth kicks off at 5.45pm.
Oof, not far away from taking the lead! Twice! A nice ball over the top to Callum Hudson-Odoi, who lays it back to Mateo Kovacic.
It seems to open up for the Croatian but his shot is deflected behind. From the corner, Ziyech works it cleverly to Romelu Lukaku, but his first-time shot whistles just over.
In case you were wondering, it’s actually Christian Pulisic at right-back and Hudson-Odoi on the left wing – Lewis Hall at left-back.
The players take the knee to widespread applause. A peep of the ref’s whistle and away we go!
European champions against a non-league side, 11 v 11, FA Cup third round. Aaaand it’s live!
1997 semi-finalists Chesterfield are gearing up for one of the biggest days in their history.
The pitch is bathed in darkness, ready for the lights show ahead of the players going onto the pitch.
Here we gooooo!
The National League side are second in the fifth tier of English football, one point behind leaders Halifax, but having played one game fewer.
They are among the favourites to get promoted into the Football League this season.
Gaffer James Rowe was just on the BBC, promising his lads will give it a ‘right go’. Could be a nice competitive start, this.
The Spireites (don’t ask me why they’re called that) have ex-Watford goalie Scott Loach between the sticks, with Luke Croll, Fraser Kerr and Gavin Gunning in a back three.
Jeff King and Alex Whittle are at wing-back, with Manny Oyeleke and Curtis Weston in midfield.
James Kellerman and Saidou Khan support the superbly named Kabongo Tshimanga up top.
An interesting-looking line-up from Thomas Tuchel. Third-choice Marcus Bettinelli is between the sticks, and it appears as if winger Callum Hudson-Odoi is at right-back and academy central midfielder Lewis Hall is at left-back…
The rest of the team looks strong though. Christensen and Sarr at CB, Saul and Kovacic in the middle, Pulisic, Werner and Ziyech supporting Lukaku.
Rotherham are leading QPR 1-0 at half-time in extra time thanks to Michael Ihiekwe’s goal, Barnsley v Barrow is still 4-4 but Brighton are now beating West Brom 2-1.
TEAM NEWS: Plymouth
TEAM NEWS: Birmingham
TEAM NEWS: Bournemouth
TEAM NEWS: Yeovil
TEAM NEWS: Everton
TEAM NEWS: Hull
TEAM NEWS: Southampton
TEAM NEWS: Swansea
TEAM NEWS: Chesterfield
TEAM NEWS: Chelsea
THEY’VE DONE IT! THE MIGHTY KIDDERMINSTER BEAT READING 2-1! Unbelievable stuff.
In much less exciting news, Leicester have beaten Watford 4-1.
Barnsley v Barrow, a frankly ridiculous 4-4, is also in extra time now.
QPR against Rotherham, which finished 0-0, and West Bromwich Albion against Brighton, which finished 1-1, are in extra time.
Boreham Wood have beaten AFC Wimbledon 2-0, Peterborough have beaten Bristol Rovers 2-1, Port Vale were beaten 4-1 by Brentford, with Bryan Mbeumo scoring a hat-trick for the Bees.
Wigan have beaten Blackburn 3-2 as well!
You absolutely love to see it.
Newcastle have been on the wrong end of a couple of FA Cup shocks but this is surely up there. Joe Ironside with the goal, Bulgarian goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov the hero.
What a result.
I will of course bring you the final scores on the doors from around the grounds as and when they come in.
After that, team news from the 5.30pm kick-offs. This is exciting, aye?
FOLLOW IT LIVE HERE!
Make sure you don’t miss any of that action by following the link to the super Sam McEvoy’s live blog here.
All these games I’m covering kick off at 5.30pm British time – meaning all the 3pm games are not far off finishing…
The biggest headlines: Third-tier Cambridge are beating the richest club in the world Newcastle, and SIXTH-tier Kidderminster Harriers are beating Championship Reading! What a turn up!
A couple of minutes to go…
A couple of decent upsets!
League Two Hartlepool beat Championship Blackpool thanks to teenager Joe Grey’s winner, while Championship Huddersfield beat Premier League Burnley.
Otherwise, things went according to the script – Middlesbrough beating Mansfield (just), Fulham beating Bristol City, Coventry beating Derby and Crystal Palace beating South London rivals Millwall.
As well as Chelsea v Chesterfield, you can also expect updates from Hull vs Everton, Swansea vs Southampton, Yeovil vs Bournemouth and Birmingham vs Plymouth.
Plenty of goals hopefully!
I’m pleasantly surprised the Sportsmail image bank has the Chesterfield badge. What a day.
The National League heavyweights travel to Stamford Bridge today with a faint whiff of a possible shock result against Premier League heavyweights Chelsea.
Would it be the biggest shock in FA Cup history? In footballing history? In SPORTING history?
Saturday evening, the third round of the FA Cup, a non-league side against the European champions and hope in the air.
There’s really nothing else like it.
Sportsmail Reporter
Host commentator
Max Mathews
Host commentator