Zach Hemming’s late penalty heroics secured a well-earned point for the Spireites as they held league leaders Bromley to a 0-0 draw at the SMH Group Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Despite having opportunities to take all three points, Hemming ensured that Chesterfield ended the game with at least one when he denied Nicke Kabamba from the spot in the 89th minute.
The result put an end to Bromley’s seven-game winning streak, while also ensuring that the Spireites remain in the play-off positions.
Paul Cook made two changes to the side that played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with MK Dons a fortnight ago. Kyle McFadzean came in for Tom Naylor, and Will Dickson, fresh off signing permanently for the Spireites, replaced Ronan Darcy, who returned to his parent club, Wigan Athletic, in the week.
It was an even start to the contest with both sides looking to seize the initiative in the opening stages.
But it was the visitors who had the best early opportunity, when Hemming made a strong diving save to deny Mitch Pinnock’s sweetly struck volley.
Chesterfield continued to defend their area well, with Bromley launching wave after wave of crosses into the area.
The Spireites then broke at pace as Adam Lewis whipped an inch-perfect cross into the area, but Lee Bonis’ sliding effort skidded just past the post.
Bromley came close again when Omar Sowunmi’s header nestled in the side netting.
After the break, Chesterfield had a golden opportunity open the scoring.
Bonis and James Berry were not on the same wavelength following a quick counter-attack, but the ball fell to Sam Curtis, who forced Grant Smith to make a smart low save.
Berry was again involved just after the hour mark, though his effort was always curling away from the goal.
Second-half substitute Freddie Ladapo saw his header saved at point-blank range, and the forward missed with his follow-up attempt.
Chesterfield continued to look the most likely to break the deadlock with 15 minutes left to play.
Substitute Tom Pearce, making his Chesterfield debut, fizzed a ball goalward that forced Smith to backpedal and tip over his bar.
With two minutes left on the clock, Bromley were handed an opportunity to take all three points when the referee pointed to the spot after Duffy handled inside the area.
But Hemming produced a fine save to his left to thwart Kabamba from 12 yards.
Buoyed by the save, Chesterfield continued to flood forward as Ladapo again had a chance but couldn’t connect cleanly with Pearce’s cross.
Despite a frantic end to the game, both sides had to settle for a point.
Chesterfield: Hemming, Curtis (Daley-Campbell 82), Swinkels, McFadzean, Lewis (Pearce 66), Stirk, Braybrooke, Mandeville, Berry (Ladapo 66), Dickson (Duffy 71), Bonis (Grigg 71)
Attendance: 7,432
