REPORT: Spireites battle out for a point

Chesterfield hosted AFC Fylde this weekend as John Pemberton’s men prepared for a six pointer. Fylde have games in hand on those around the relegation zone and so not losing was crucial.

Pemberton named an unchanged side from towns win at Eastleigh. Whilst Fylde introduced their replacement for Rowe, in Jamie Proctor.

During the first 15 minutes Denton got on the end of a couple of back post crosses from Yarney and Cropper but they were both not powerful enough to test the keeper.

On the fifteenth minute mark Proctor laid off Croasdale who smashed the ball against the side netting. Just minutes later the ball fell to Weston on the edge of the box and he guided the ball just wide of the post.

31 minutes into the game a Fylde striker found space in behind towns defence and was left one on one with Jalal. Jalal stepped up and blocked the ball from going past him, he kick started a counter attack and just seconds later Jonathan Smith was running away in celebration after putting the Spireites one up with a half volley into the bottom left corner.

Chesterfield defended and held on till half time and went into the break with a one goal advantage via Smith who scored for the third  game running.

A few minutes into the second half Tom Walker , formerly of Salford was allowed space down the right side and he eventually dragged a venomous shot wide.

10 minutes into the second half and Tom Denton’s hold up play was looking very impressive despite him having to fight off pulls and pushes from the Fylde defenders.

With 25 minutes to go Haughton attempted to take it round Jalal again but he stopped the initial effort and then a second effort was cleared off the line by a spireite defender.

Williams of Fylde found space in the box and rocketed an effort at Jalal who stepped up to the challenge again and palmed the ball away.

Tension was building and Chesterfield were being pushed further back when Haughton ran beyond the town defence and directed the ball into the left side of the goal to make it 1-1.

Just a few minutes later Buchanan’s corner was met by Will Evans at the far post and his effort bounced off the bar.

Just minutes remained when Jalal came out to block Williams effort again.

Chesterfield managed to hang onto a point in the end despite wanting all three. Pemberton however, keeps his unbeaten reign and he will be proud of the improvements he’s seeing. Chesterfield travel to Notts County next Saturday hoping to get back to winning ways.