Chesterfield lost their six game unbeaten run at The Hive after Barnet scored the game’s only goal in the 65th minute to go level on points with the Spireites.
It was a defeat that was hard to take after dominating the first 30 minutes but failing to convert that possession into clear openings. Barnet grew into the game before the interval and stayed in control in the second half as Chesterfield struggled to regain their early initiative.
A late strike by ex-Spireite Kabongo Tshimanga saw 2024/5 National League champions Barnet pick up three points in midweek with a 1-0 win at Accrington. The Spireites had been without a fixture during the week so travelled they to North London a little fresher after their draw at Crawley the previous weekend.
Paul Cook chose to make no changes (including substitutes) from the side that drew at Crawley a week ago after a last-gasp leveller for the home side denied the Spireites a deserved win.
There was another impressive away following behind the goal that loudly greeted the team onto the pitch. The weather was overcast before with dark clouds taking over from the sunshine that had dominated earlier.
Chesterfield started attacking the end that housed their fans; they kicked off and immediately played the ball back to Zach Hemming but within moments the Spireites broke well with Dilan Markanday bursting forward on the right before cutting in, his effort eventually went out of play. In the next move Markanday set up Liam Mandeville who hit for goal from 12 yards; his effort flew wide of Cieran Slicker’s left upright.
Barnet won a free-kick just inside the Chesterfield half, Ben Winterburn’s hit was soon cleared and set Sammy Braybrooke on a run down the left that saw him beat three defenders but his final ball was cut out.
At the 15-minute mark the Spireites had dominated the game with 65% possession and had created several openings without managing an on-target effort.
Markanday shimmied again down the right and crossed well but couldn’t find a connection; play switched to the left and enabled Tom Pearce to display his trickery before being dispossessed.
By the half-hour Barnet were causing problems and forced a couple of alert clearances from the Spireites.
Braybrooke broke well and fed Pearce on the left, his strong run continued into the area where he was brought down; the referee waved away Pearce’s appeal.
Idris Kanu was fouled and the Winterburn free-kick flew wide of Hemmng’s right post. Barnet resumed possession and Callum Stead hit into the box from the right, and captain Danny Collinge hit the crossbar with his hit. Moments later, in the last action of the half, ex-Spireite Kabongo Tshimanga was inches away from getting a touch that would have given the home side the lead.
The Spireites will have gone into the break frustrated that they hadn’t capitalised on their early dominance; however when Barnet grew into the game Chesterfield defended resolutely. Both teams will have welcomed the interval.
Barnet started the second period in a determined mood and won an early corner that was defended well but the Bees continued to threaten.
From a clearance Markanday broke down the right and tried a shot from the edge of the area; his effort flew wide.
The game was end-to-end and from their next break Barnet went close as Romoney Crichlow headed over from close range.
Tom Pearce made a strong driving run down the left but his eventual hit was blocked.
Chesterfield made their first changes on the hour. Will Grigg replaced Lee Bonis, Armando Dobra replaced Dylan Duffy and Janoi Donacien took over from Sam Curtis.
The Bees took the lead after they took advantage of an astute ball into the box and Nnamdi Ofoborth hit firmly into the top right corner from 15 yards.
Slicker did well to save a strong effort from Dobra; a subsequent effort from Dobra brought a corner and from the flag-kick Dobra was denied as his goal-bound effort was blocked on the line.
A fourth change saw James Berry replace Mandeville. A fifth followed as Tom Naylor replaced Braybrooke.
A foul on Markanday brought a free-kick for the Spireites 20 yards out. Pearce took it and his effort took a deflection to earn a corner.
Four added minutes were awarded. A Dobra ball to the far post that Slicker claimed well and a Duffy shot that flew wide was all the Spireites could muster as Barnet held on for three precious points.
Chesterfield: Hemming, Swinkels, Dunkley, Pearce, Curtis (Donacien 62), Braybrooke (Naylor 82), Duffy (Dobra 62), Stirk, Bonis (Grigg 62), Mandeville (Berry 75), Markanday
Substitutes not used: McFadzean, Dickson
Referee: William Davis
