The Spireites were made to rue a disappointing first half after falling to a 3-1 defeat against Hartlepool United at Victoria Park.
Manager James Rowe made three changes to the starting XI with Josef Yarney, Curtis Weston and Nathan Tyson replacing Gavin Gunning, Martin Smith and Kairo Mitchell.
The home side got out of the starting blocks quickly and took the lead within the first five minutes. Gavan Holohan rose highest from a corner and saw his header saved by Grant Smith before Rhys Oates swept home the rebound.
Chesterfield struggled to gain a foothold in the match and almost fell two goals behind. Oates curled an effort from outside the area inches wide of the post just before the half-hour mark.
Hartlepool soon doubled their lead. Jamie Sterry latched onto a cross-field pass and rolled a low ball across the face goal, which Yarney prodded into his own net.
The Blues almost found a way back into the game just before the break. Danny Rowe’s powerful long-range free-kick was parried into the path of Fraser Kerr, but he sliced his shot wide.
In the 43rd minute, the Spireites went further behind. A free-kick was helped over to the back post where Holohan struck the woodwork from a couple of yards out and the ball fell to Luke Armstrong who tapped home from close-range.
A change was made during the half-time break with Liam Mandeville coming on for Joel Taylor. Joe Rowley also came on nine minutes into the second half, replacing Tyson.
Just after the hour-mark, Chesterfield reduced the deficit. Mandeville floated a corner into the middle of the penalty area and Kerr powered his header into the back of the net.
After the goal, the game slowed down and both sides struggled to create many chances.
Mandeville looked to pull another goal back for the Spireites and had two efforts; one saved by Henrich Ravas and one that whistled wide of the post.
Unfortunately, there was no grandstand finish and the Blues were beaten.
Chesterfield: G Smith, Carline, Yarney, Kerr, Maguire ©, Taylor (Mandeville 46), Weston, Oyeleke, Clarke (Mitchell 82), Tyson (Rowley 54), Rowe.
Unused Substitutes: M Smith, Whelan.
