James Wilson’s first-half goal gave Port Vale a 1-0 win at the Technique Stadium in the latest pre-season friendly.
A minute’s applause was held before kick off as a tribute to Ernie Moss, who was of course a highly popular player for both clubs.Â
When the action got underway, Scott Loach made a routine save to keep out Ryan Johnson’s early effort.
Just after the half-hour mark, Liam Mandeville slipped the ball to Danny Rowe, whose low drive was saved by Lucas Covolan.
Tom Conlon fired wide from a threatening position before the visitors opened the scoring.
The goal came in the 36th minute when Loach was beaten by a fine long-range strike from Wilson.
Wilson was involved again soon afterwards, putting a shot off-target.
The Spireites had a chance to level before the break when Mandeville’s cross found Payne whose shot from close range was saved.
George Carline, Saidou Khan and Manny Oyeleke replaced Fraser Kerr, Gavin Gunning and Jak McCourt at the start of the second half.
Curtis Weston did well to get a foot to a dangerous cross from Mal Benning as Jamie Proctor threatened.
Jeff King then had a shot deflected wide.
Shortly after the hour-mark, Mandeville made way for Jack Clarke.
Rowe went close when he tried a shot from around 35 yards out which thumped the bar.
Rowe had another chance, heading over from Calvin Miller’s cross.
Loach came to Chesterfield’s rescue with a great save to keep out Wilson’s close-range header.
The visitors were reduced to ten men in the 78th minute when keeper Covolan was shown the red card after appearing to use an elbow in a clash with substitute Nathan Tyson.
Spireites: Loach; Kerr, Gunning, Grimes; King, Weston, McCourt, Mandeville, Miller; Rowe, Payne.
