The Spireites slipped to a narrow defeat as a second-half goal from Adam Chicksen secured a 2-1 win for Notts County.
Paul Cook made three changes from Tuesday night’s loss to Woking. Ross Fitzsimons, Tim Akinola and Mike Jones came in for Lucas Covolan, Darren Oldaker and Ryan Colclough.
The first chance of the match fell to Notts County. A mistake from Jamie Grimes allowed Macauley Langstaff in, but his shot was cleared off the line after rounding Fitzsimons.
Chesterfield responded with a huge chance. Armando Dobra’s cross forced a save from Sam Slocombe following a short corner. The ball fell to Ash Palmer, whose effort flew over the bar from close range.
The pressure continued as Joe Quigley and Ollie Banks had good chances, but both were unable to hit the target.
However, the Magpies opened the scoring after 25 minutes. A brilliant ball over the top by Slocombe found Langstaff, who lifted the ball over Fitzsimons to give the visitors the lead.
Chesterfield came close to equalising through Quigley, but his shot was straight at the goalkeeper following Akinola’s cross.
Tensions started to flare as the end of the half neared. Connell Rawlinson was accused of lashing out at Dobra, but both received a booking following the altercation.
The Blues finally found their equaliser just before the break. Grimes’ header from a corner was blocked, and the rebound was fired home by Dobra from close range.
Jeff King was given a yellow card following the goal celebrations, and a tussle on the touchline began as the feisty encounter reached half-time.
County almost had the perfect start to the second half. Jones controlled the ball beautifully before finding Langstaff, but Fitzsimons denied the striker a second goal with a great save.
Soon after, Dobra flashed the ball across the Magpies’ box, but no one was able to turn the ball home for the home side.
A late challenge on Cedwyn Scott saw King receive his second yellow card.
It got worse for the Spireites as Notts claimed the next goal. Chicksen converted Aaron Nemane’s cross from a few yards out to restore the lead for the visitors.
Colclough was brought on for Branden Horton, and almost found the equaliser with two minutes to go when effort from the edge of the box was drilled narrowly wide.
An additional seven minutes was added on, which gave Chesterfield hope of salvaging a point.
The Blues came agonisingly close again, but once more no one could convert from Dobra’s cross.
It was to be Chesterfield’s last chance as the full-time whistle ended any hope of a recovery.
Chesterfield: Fitzsimons, Palmer, Grimes ©, Banks, Jones (Sheckleford 67), Horton (Colclough 75), King, Dobra, Mandeville, Akinola, Quigley (McCallum 75).
Unused substitutes: Maguire, Oldaker.
Attendance: 9,706 (1,961 away)
