Asante hits late winner

Another Akwasi Asante goal gave the Spireites a 1-0 win over Eastleigh at the Technique Stadium, to extend the unbeaten run at home to seven games.

James Rowe made five changes from the weekend as Fraser Kerr and Jack Clarke made their full debuts; the former having moved permanently from Torquay United earlier in the day.

Martin Smith, Alex Whittle and the returning Tom Whelan also came in as Will Evans, Haydn Hollis, Joel Taylor, Jak McCourt and Marcus Dinanga dropped out of the starting XI.

The game took time to find its feet as both teams defended well and found it difficult to make their way into the penalty area.

However, just after the 15th minute, Chesterfield created a fantastic chance. Asante picked up a misplaced place before feeding Whelan, but the midfielder skewed his shot wide.

Three minutes later, the roles were reversed. Whelan played the hall to Asante, who saw his shot deflected wide of the post.

Whittle was the next to try his luck. He cut-in from the left-hand side before unleashing a rocket of a shot with his left foot, but his effort went over the crossbar.

Just before the half-hour mark, Curtis Weston picked the ball up 30 yards from goal. His shot took a wicked deflection, but Joe McDonnell tipped the ball over the bar and out for a corner.

The Spireites continued to pile on the pressure and stayed solid at the back with debutant Kerr impressing. The two sides entered the break with the scores level.

The start of the second half brought more pressure from the home side as they looked to break the deadlock.

Somehow the score would stay at 0-0 for the moment. Clarke and Asante both got into great positions, but they had their efforts blocked at the last minute by the Eastleigh defenders.

The visitors thought they had stolen a lead with about 12 minute of the game remaining. Jack Payne’s free-kick was seemingly headed home by Danny Hollands. However, calls of handball and offside came from the Chesterfield players and staff and the goal was ruled out.

With five minutes to go, Asante came close to opening the scoring once more; he made his way past McDonnell and his effort was blocked on the goalline.

A minute later, though, the forward finally got his goal. Nathan Tyson – on his return – broke away before playing in Asante, who fainted past his defender and slotted home for his ninth goal for the Spireites.

Game management was key for the remaining minutes and the Blues did just that as they immediately bounced back after the defeat to Stockport County.

Chesterfield: G Smith, Carline, Kerr, Gunning (C), Maguire, Whittle, M. Smith (McCourt 72), Weston, Whelan (Tyson 78), Clarke (Mandeville 72), Asante.

Unused Substitutes: Evans, Dinanga.