Phil Tooley takes a look at the game and its context
Bromley 2 Chesterfield 2
League Two Game #9
Fair score over the 90, gutted though to have had our noses in front having battled back from the inevitable Cheeky moment, and that was as cheeky as they come.
Bromley, scorer of more set play goals than anyone else in League Two, straight free kick from the centre circle, headed sideways to the fated forward, acute angle, surely impossible to score from, right-footed loop, 1-0 Bromley. That’s 12 in 16 games for the man who was voted League Two’s Player of the Season in 23/24. At least the predictable goal came relatively early to give Paul Cook’s team plenty of time to react.
The Spireites’ equaliser was so unlike yet so like a Chesterfield-style goal. Big kick from Zach Hemming, helped a little by the stiff breeze; not a normal set-up start. Will Grigg receives and holds up in fine style and lays off, typical Town, with the striker’s pass being perfectly weighted for Armando Dobra who took a forward touch before delivering his fourth goal of the season. Route One with finesse!
The game was always enjoyable to watch, contrasting styles, both with a goal threat though Chesterfield negated the effect of Ravens top scorer Nicke Kabamba pretty well (can you believe he’s got more than the boy?) and Hemming made a fine save to deny Cheek’s only other decent chance from close range.
As the hour-mark passed, the two managers refused to twist, waiting for the other to blink first, and with every player on the park playing their part, the Spireites’ longest-serving player, starting for the first time in an EFL game this season, put his side ahead.
To mark appearance #250 in points offering games, only 27 players had previously achieved that mark in the club’s long history, the last one being Drew Talbot, Liam Mandeville watched Grigg and Dobra combine on the box-edge to feed him, enabling him to score for the first time since his last-gasp leveller on Easter Monday in the 3-3 at home to Bradford City. Next appearance target? Kevin Randall on 258, Mandy’s now in that sort of company. Congratulations.
Simple celebration, outstretched arms, goal 30 in those 250 games which matches the total Kabongo Tshimanga bagged for Chesterfield, one more will mean he’ll become a Top 40 scorer, level with Andy Kowalski.
Former Spireite Grant Smith saved well to deny Dobra and he back tracked to palm out a direct from the corner Mandeville delivery, both of which could have confirmed victory, but when victory is in sight at Hayes Lane, you get the inevitable Bromley poke in the eye. Right-wing corner, swinging in on the breeze, skipper Dunkley in the flight path, stoops down to get his head to it, goes the wrong side of the post, all-square again.
There was a feeling that the scoring wasn’t finished, but this time it was and the two teams that both started in the play-off zone shared the spoils, only for Notts County’s win to lift them above Bromley on goal difference and displace them from the top seven, with the Spireites remaining sixth, level on goals and goal difference with Grimsby Town, the Mariners claiming fifth having scored one more away goal.
Newport County, clearly Welsh with a run of results that reads LLLLLDL, visit us next Saturday. They’re managed by David Hughes, a former Villa and Cardiff player who was on the Manchester United coaching staff under Erik ten Haag, and whose sole managerial experience before being appointed at Rodney Parade at the end of last season was over 20 years ago with Barry Town. But they do have a player who could well excel in these parts, former Haverfordwest midfielder who’s scored a couple this season, Kai Whitmore.
Back to Liam Mandeville; if you’re a South Stand supporter, there will be some new heritage display boards in the concourse ahead of the Newport game, depicting all of Spireites 21st century Players’ of the Year, of which Liam is one, so if you want a good look at them, plus some other artistic enhancements in that area, get in early on Saturday. There will also be an opportunity to view on Friday evening, so look out for details of that in the next few days.
Phil’s Positive: Any point at Bromley has to be a good thing. Whilst it was disappointing to concede the equaliser, it was positive to have come from behind to lead for the first time since March in the 2-1 win over our next opponents, Newport. Since then, the team has been behind in 11 matches in all competitions without turning it round to lead.
Next Match: Struggling Newport County at home on Saturday, September 27, 3pm kick-off (watch out for granddaughter Pippa on mascot duty ahead of birthday #11). Build-up on 1866 Sport starts at 2pm with the first and most comprehensive reaction coming in After the Whistle. Post Bromley, listen back to interviews from Gary Roberts, Liam Mandeville, James Berry and Ryan Stirk in this week’s podcast.
Chesterfield (4-2-3-1 to start): Hemming, Daley-Campbell (Tanton 74), Dunkley, McFadzean, Gordon; Naylor, Stirk; Mandeville (Markanday 74), Darcy (Berry 83); Dobra (Dickson 83); Grigg (Bonis 74). Subs (not used); Fleck, Grimes.
Goals: Dobra 39, Mandeville 67 (Chesterfield), Cheek 16, Dunkley (og) 79 (Bromley)
Referee: Carl Brook
Bookings: Naylor, Daley-Campbell, Darcy (Chesterfield), Odulayo, Krauhaus (Bromley)
Bromley manager Andy Woodman was shown a yellow card
Attendance: 2,583
1866 Sport Banner Jones Man of the Match: Armando Dobra (chosen by Lee Francis)
