Defeat at Wealdstone

It was only Wealdstone’s second win over Chesterfield in eight attempts.

The Spireites had lots of possession but failed to convert it into clear openings whereas the direct and pacy home side tested the defence and eventually the pressure paid off.

Chesterfield  arrived at Ruislip for the fixture against the Stones having had a 12-day break from football but now face a second fixture at Gateshead just 48 hours later

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The Spireites will be looking to end the season strongly after suffering two defeats following their confirmation as champions; Wealdstone still need seven points to be safe from the threat of relegation and would have hoped for a better return than just three from their previous three fixtures. In the last home game against Dorking two days ago, they recovered from a two-goal deficit to win 4-2.

Chesterfield, without Will Grigg for the rest of the season, made six changes from the side that lined up against Kidderminster in their last outing. Into the starting line-up came Harry Tyrer, Jamie Grimes, Branden Horton, Ollie Banks, Darren Oldaker and Michael Jacobs as Ryan Boot, Tom Naylor, Miguel Freckleton, Bailey Clements, Mike Jones and Bailey Hobson made way.

At kick-off the conditions were perfect with just a light breeze and the pitch showing few signs of wear, apart from one of the penalty areas.

The Spireites emerged to a guard of honour from the Wealdstone team and were applauded around the four sides; they kicked off and defended the end hosting the travelling Spireites.

It was very much a possession based build-up from the Spireites but the Stones had a great opportunity in the tenth minute. Immanuelson Duku beat the offside trap and burst through into the box; just as he was getting ready to shoot, Horton produced a superb tackle that saw him come away with the ball  and set up a Chesterfield break.

A Jeff King optimistic hit produced the first corner for the Spireites but caused no further danger as the home side showed their pace through Taryn Allarakhia and Micah Obiero whose run was stopped in the area as the Spireites broke free. In the next move it was Allarakhia’s turn to try his luck but Tyrer held his angled hit well.

The Spireites almost broke the deadlock when the home keeper, Marcus Dewhurst, fumbled a strong hit, from distance, from Jamie Grimes; Joe Quigley followed up and poked home but Dewhurst was given the benefit of the doubt and a free-kick awarded for an infringement.

A high ball from Grimes found Quigley in the area who looked to control with his back to goal but instead found a contentious offside decision given against him. Moments later the refereee brought an entertaining half to an end with the Spireites having had the bulk of possession but the home side not quite managing to take advantage of the clearer openings.

The Spireites started the second period showing more intent and looked generally livelier without finding that final telling pass.

The home side went close after a free-kick was swung over from the left and substitute Dillon De Silva ghosted in at the far post and powered a bullet header wide of Tyrer’s right upright.

Da Silva went close twice more but each time but was thwarted by an offside flag.

Harley Curtis and Tom Naylor were brought into the game to bring more solidity but the changes didn’t have the desired effect. Ash Palmer received a yellow card following a challenge, wide left, and the free-kick from Sam Bowen flew narrowly of Tyrer’s left upright.

Moments later Wealdstone scored the winner after Da Silva intercepted a back-pass from Grimes to Tyrer; he took a couple of strides before hitting coolly home.

The Spireites had the ball in the net form a free-kick on the edge of the box when Palmer poked the final loose ball home but fell foul of a marginal off-side call.

Five added minutes were awarded but it wasn’t sufficient time for the Spireites to fashion an opening as the home side deservedly took a huge step to safeguarding their National League safety.

Attendance: 2,143