The Spireites moved three points clear at the top of the National League after Liam Mandeville’s goal was enough for a 1-0 victory over King’s Lynn Town.
After a scrappy first 45 miutes, the midfielder popped up with his third goal of the season in the second half to extend the unbeaten record to 14 games in all competitions.
James Rowe made three changes from the side that drew with FC Halifax Town on Tuesday with Jeff King, Saidou Khan and Mandeville replacing Fraser Kerr, Jim Kellermann and Akwasi Asante.
Chesterfield controlled possession in the opening exchanges but failed to carve out any clear-cut chances as the King’s Lynn defence stood firm.
The first real chance of note fell to the visitors. Josh Barrett picked the ball up just outside the penalty area before flashing a shot wide of Scott Loach’s goal.
Manny Oyeleke looked to play through Kabongo Tshimanga to add to his ever-growing goal tally this season; however, a good challenge from Dan Bowry denied the striker an opportunity for a shot on goal.
Alex Whittle was presented with the best chance of the half after receiving a cross from Calvin Miller. The former snatched at his effort which went into the side-netting.
The first half came to an end in a similar fashion to how it started – with the Spireites controlling proceedings but failing to manufacture a golden chance.
Jeff King looked to give his side the perfect start to the second half when he chipped a free-kick into the penalty area. Gavin Gunning flicked the ball on to Tshimanga but the forward couldn’t get the right connection on the ball.
Three minutes later, Mandeville opened the scoring for Chesterfield. He picked the ball up on the edge of the area before cutting inside and firing his effort past the outstretched Paul Jones.
The goal was made extra special as it was scored in the 51st minute. The 6,328 in attendance rose for a minute’s applause to pay their respects to matchday steward Kelvin Bigg, who sadly passed away recently.
Rowe made a couple of changes just after the hour-mark. Skipper Gunning and Manny Oyeleke were replaced by Jamie Grimes and Kellermann.
The game resorted to a slightly scrappy affair midway through the second period. Kellermann and Khan still created chances though but saw their efforts drift wide of the mark.
Tshimanga had a chance to seal the points late on when he found himself through on goal; a King’s Lynn defender managed to get a touch on the shot, which looped into the hands of Jones.
The Spireites saw the game out to secure a perfect start to 2022 and stay top of the National League.
Spireites: Loach; Williams, Gunning © (Grimes 64), Whittle; King, Weston, Oyeleke (Kellermann 66), Miller; Khan, Mandeville; Tshimanaga (Asante 90).
Unused Substitutes: Kerr, Payne.
Attendance: 6,328 (93 away)
