The Spireites hit back to draw 1-1 at Cambridge United thanks to a strike from defender Kyle McFadzean in time added on.
After a first half that should have seen the home side with a greater advantage than just the one goal, the Spireites improved after the break. They rode their luck, Zach Hemming was again key and Liam Mandeville cleared off the line before McFadzean popped up at the death with a well-struck leveller that will have broke the hearts of the home side who looked to have done enough to edge the contest.
Paull Cook made two changes from the team that started last Saturday’s FA Cup tie. Ronan Darcy took over from the injured Dilan Markanday while Adam Lewis, making his first start of the season, replaced Lewis Gordon.
By kick-off it was a clear night with just a light breeze; the pitch had taken a good soaking and looked in good condition but wear inevitable in the later stages of the game. Another good following had made the journey down the A1 and occupied half of the full length side-stand.
The earliest action was a fourth minute yellow card for Paul Cook just seconds before the game’s first corner kick from the right taken by James Brophy; he got the distance right but it managed to avoid all of the amber shirts in the box.
Dylan Duffy picked up well and was on a threatening run when he was unceremoniously brought down 25 yards out. Lewis stepped up and hit straight into the wall and his follow-up effort fared no better.
After 12 minutes the crowd called for a booking after Lee Bonis and Mamadou Jobe collided but referee Elliot Swallow read the clash correctly.
Moments later the home team got the breakthrough they wanted. From a corner on the left, taken by Glenn McConnell, Kell Watts ran well to connect and head strongly home to Zach Hemming’s right.
Mandeville won a free kick just inside the Cambridge half, his first hit hit a U’s player and gave him a second chance; his floated ball to the far post met the head of McFadzean but his connection lacked power and Jake Eastwood held comfortably.
In the 37th minute an offside flag, from the first phase of play, saved the day for the Spireites.
Two added minutes were awarded but both teams looked happy to see the time out without incident; at the interval Cambridge, despite having had less possession, will have felt that their endeavours warranted more than a narrow one-goal lead.
No changes at the re-start but there did look to be a greater determination in the Spireites’ play as they challenged for every ball.
The first threat of the half came from Cambridge after Korey Smith picked up after a pin-ball episode saw the ball run free; his hit brought a finger tip save from Hemming. The subsequent corner flew out of play.
Chesterfield almost levelled in the 66th minute after Darcy fed Bonis, to his left; his first-time effort brought a full-stretch save from Eastwood.
Almost immediately, Cook made a triple change. On came Luke Butterfield, James Berry ans Lewis Gordon as Ryan Stirk, Duffy and Lewis made way.
James Berry received a superb ball on the left wing, ran well and cut back before crossing; Bonis got his head to the ball but Eastwood held well. Moments later Darcy hit just over from 20 yards.
Cook used all five substitutes as he brought Will Grigg and Will Dickson into the game, taking over from Bonis and Darcy.
Substitute Louis Appere forced Hemming into a brave one-on-one save and he excelled again two minutes later when Appere fed Brophy who was denied well by the Chesterfield keeper. Mandeville also cleared off the line from live-wire Appere.
Four added minutes was signalled and with just one of those minutes remaining the Spireites equalised. Cambridge cleared a Chesterfield free-kick but the loose ball fell to McFadzean who hit home with a well-struck half-volley from 15 yards.
Chesterfield: Hemming, Lewis (Gordon 68), Naylor, McFadzean, Mandeville, Stirk (Butterfield 67), Bonis (Grigg 80), Duffy (Berry 68), Dunkley, Darcy (Dickson 80), Tanton
Subs not used: Boot, Daley-Campbell
From Attendance: 5,192 (450 Chesterfield supporters)
Referee: Elliot Swallow
