Spireites edged out against Stockport

The Spireites lost 1-0 to table-toppers Stockport County at the Technique Stadium on Monday afternoon. Stockport captain Paddy Madden scored the only goal of the game, with a first-half penalty.

The Spireites sit seventh in the National League after this result.

Both sides struggled to create chances in the opening 15 minutes, with Stockport having more of the ball.

Jim Kellermann looked to have been to through on goal, however the linesman raised his flag despite Kellermann looking comfortably onside.

Stockport were awarded a penalty in the after Calvin Miller handled the ball in the box.

Madden (35) sent Scott Loach the wrong way from the spot, slotting the penalty into the bottom left corner.

Soon after, the Spireites had a penalty appeal waved away by the referee when Tom Denton seemed to be dragged down inside the box.

Stockport came close to doubling their lead when Courtney Duffus hacked the ball towards goal from two yards out, but his attempt hit the underside of the crossbar before being cleared away.

The Spireites went into half time a goal behind.

The Spireites had a great chance when Denton headed the ball down into the six-yard box, following a wide free kick, however Jamie Grimes put the ball over from around four yards out.

Substitute Akwasi Asante had a chance for the Spireites after Saidou Khan found him in space on the right-hand side, Asante cut inside but dragged his effort wide.

Madden had a very speculative attempt from range, hitting the ball on the volley, but his attempt flew over the crossbar.

Grimes forced a save out of Stockport keeper Ben Hinchliffe after meeting the ball with his head, following a corner.

Jeff King had a fantastic chance for the Spireites, cutting in from the right hand side. He tried to beat Hinchliffe at his near post, but the keeper tipped the ball wide for a corner.

The Spireites will look to put this disappointing result behind them when they travel to Torquay on Saturday.

Spireites: Loach, Miller (Asante 70’), Williams, Gunning ©, Grimes, King, Oyeleke, Kellermann (Khan 56’), Weston, Mandeville, Denton (Rowe 77’)

Unused subs: Maguire, McCourt

Attendance: 9,198 (2,632 away)