Chesterfield assistant manager Danny Webb admitted Isthmian Premier League side Horsham caused them problems before his side advanced to the second round of the FA Cup.
Leading scorer Will Grigg netted early in both the first and second half and Armando Dobra was also on the scoresheet in a 3-1 win.
Horsham thought they could cause an FA Cup upset after substitute Chris Dickson’s consolation goal, but the Hornets’ first ever visit to Chesterfield ended in heartbreak.
Webb said: “We are in that second-round draw but fair play to Horsham, their subs caused us real problems to the very end.
“There was a lot of positives for us as well, we were a bit sloppy at times. But it was a fantastic win.
“When it goes three goals, we hoped a little bit of tiredness would kick in so we could wrap it up quite comfortably. But they (Horsham) got their goal.
“I’m glad it wasn’t earlier and the three lads up front were dangerous and got us on the back foot, but I think the best team won.”
Horsham manager Dominic Di Paola was disappointed with the result but proud of the team’s overall performance.
Di Paola said: “A bit of a disappointing result today, but we were beaten by the much better team.
“We took 10 minutes to adjust into the game again and unfortunately we switched off on a full-back overlap and great movement from a great striker and then it’s a mountain to climb.
“There’s a lot we can learn from it, it was a good experience and test for us. We knew they would be good; every team they play against they play well.
“The guys who came off the bench did great, but unfortunately it was too big an ask.”
