Lee Bonis continued his red-hot form as the Spireites beat fellow promotion chasers Notts County 2-0 in a sold-out Boxing Day clash at the SMH Group Stadium.
Bonis’ strike and a Kelle Roos own goal secured all three points for Chesterfield, who made it four unbeaten and maintained their position in the top seven.
Paul Cook made just one change to the side that beat Shrewsbury Town last Saturday, and it was an enforced one with Jamie Grimes replacing the injured Chey Dunkley.
After a cagey start, the game’s first chance fell to Grimes, who was wearing the armband today, but his knockdown couldn’t find a blue shirt in the area.
Chesterfield maintained the pressure with both Tom Naylor and Ronan Darcy trying their luck from distance.
With half an hour played, there was still nothing between the sides.
The referee was involved throughout the first 45, with Naylor, Grimes and Kyle McFadzean all receiving early cautions.
On the stroke of half-time and with another slick passing move, Chesterfield again had a sight of goal; however, Dylan Duffy’s effort failed to trouble Roos.
It took until the hour-mark for the second half to see its first chance, which fell to the visitors who couldn’t convert after a goalmouth scramble.
Then, finally, in the 65th minute, the Spireites made the breakthrough.
Bonis struck for the fourth time in three games as he fired home the rebound after Darcy’s initial effort was saved.
The Spireites soon doubled their advantage in the 76th minute.
Liam Mandeville’s inch-perfect corner cannoned off the back of Roos and into his own net.
County tried to fashion a response but still failed to find a way to test Zach Hemming.
As the game headed into stoppage time, Will Dickson showed great strength in the area, though his effort sailed over the bar.
Chesterfield continued to throw their body in the way of all Notts’ chances as the referee’s full-time whistle was greeted by a rapturous applause.
Chesterfield: Hemming, Tanton, Grimes, McFadzean, Gordon, Naylor (Fleck 90), Stirk, Mandeville, Darcy (Berry 78), Duffy (Dickson 78), Bonis (Grigg 78)
Attendance: 10,059
