A second-half strike from Will Dickson gave Chesterfield three points on the road as they defeated Accrington Stanley 1-0 at the Wham Stadium.
Ryan Boot kept a clean sheet in his first league start of the season, whilst Malik Owolabi-Belewu, Kyle McFadzean, Ryan Stirk, James Berry and Dickson all returned to the starting line-up.
The first chance fell Accrington’s way inside the opening ten minutes when Shaun Whalley’s 25-yard free-kick was put behind by Boot at the near post.
The Spireites responded well and Dickson came close after 15 minutes, heading over as Sam Curtis crossed from the right wing.
The hosts’ best chance of the half came midway through the first period, as Donald Love headed narrowly over from close range after finding space inside the box from a corner.
Ten minutes later, Chesterfield twice went close to going ahead thorough two James Berry corners. The first was smashed against the post by McFadzean and moments later, Tom Naylor flicked a near-post header towards the net which Accrington just about dealt with and cleared.
Chesterfield took the lead in the 63rd minute when great combination from Naylor and Curtis on the right saw the former put a low ball into the box for Dickson to tap home in front of the travelling supporters.
Curtis had a chance to double the lead a few minutes later as a Chesterfield corner fell loose inside the box, but a crowd of onrushing Accrington defenders were there to deny.
Accrington looked sure to level with ten to play as substitute Tyler Walton closed in on goal, but Boot rushed out to deny, getting up moments later to put a long-range effort behind for a corner.
Curtis had another opportunity before the full-time whistle. After Whalley took a loose touch on the edge of the box, the Irishman jumped at the chance to shoot but couldn’t find a way past Wright.
Spireites: Boot, Curtis, McFadzean, Swinkels, Owolabi-Belewu (Donacien 90+2’), Naylor (Mandeville 90+2’), Stirk, Markanday, Braybrooke, Berry (Dobra 86’), Dickson (Bonis 71’)
Unused subs: Hemming, Dunkley, Duffy
Attendance: 2,688 (836 away)
