Honours even in top of the table clash

Jack Clarke scored a late equaliser as the Spireites came from behind to draw 1-1 against FC Halifax Town in front of a crowd of over 8,000 at the Technique

If a sold-out home end at the Technique Stadium wasn’t exciting enough, the return of Akwasi Asante and Gavin Gunning certainly buoyed the Spireites. It is the first time the Blues faithful would see the Asante – Kabongo Tshimanga partnership at the top of the pitch. 

After over two weeks since the victory at Blundell Park, James Rowe made two changes to his starting line-up. Asante and Gunning returned after their injuries, replacing Liam Mandeville and Jamie Grimes.

The first shot on goal fell the way of the home side. Asante controlled well on the edge of the box and played it off to Calvin Miller whose near post effort was saved low down by Sam Johnson. 

The opening goal came in the 17th minute. Gunning miscued two headers before the ball found Matty Warburton. His right-footed effort found Scott Loach’s bottom left corner. 

A cagey period followed where neither team could establish a foothold in the game. 

The Spireites had an opportunity before half time. Gunning’s free kick ricocheted around the 18-yard-box before Tshimanga’s attempt was saved by Johnson.

The last chance of the half nearly had the hosts level. Miller’s corner was met by Fraser Kerr whose glancing header flashed just over the crossbar.

The early stages of the second half saw precious little chances. Both teams struggled for any rhythm. 

After a stoppage in play, Chesterfield took the game to Halifax. They applied pressure without much reward. They came close thanks to a deflection, but it dropped wide of the post. 

Chesterfield were initially awarded a penalty in the 71st. However, after consulting his assistant on the near side, the referee reversed his decision.

With just seven to play, Alex Whittle controlled in the box and played it across for Clarke who coolly slotted the ball home, sending the Technique into raptures! 

The Spireites pushed for a winner with plenty of balls being delivered into the Halifax box but to no avail. 

Spireites: Loach, Miller, Williams, Gunning, Kerr (Clarke 78’), Whittle, Weston (Mandeville 45’), Oyeleke, Kellermann, Tshimanga, Asante (Khan 59’)

Unused subs: Grimes, Payne

Attendance: 8,106 (779 away)