Debutants Jack Sparkes and Kyle McFadzean impressed at the SMH Group Stadium in this afternoon’s 1-1 draw with Darren Moore’s promotion-pushing Port Vale. Armando Dobra’s second-half goal cancelled out Jayden Stockley’s early opener.
Paul Cook made three changes to the starting XI that drew 1-1 with Grimsby last time out. New-signings Sparkes and McFadzean started, to make their debuts, Janoi Donacien made his first start for the Spireites and Jenson Metcalfe returned to the bench from a long-term injury.
Liam Mandeville made his 250th Spireites appearance, in all competitions, in this game.
Port Vale started the game on the front foot and took the lead in the second minute. A throw-in into a crowded area was controlled by Stockley, his snapshot, on the turn, squeezed past Max Thompson and found the far-bottom corner.
A tribute to Ernie Moss, in the form of a minute-long applause, took place in the eighth minute. All four stands of the SMH Group Stadium rose to their feet to pay their respects.
The Spireites looked certain to score, in the 22nd minute, after Ben Amos parried Liam Mandeville’s ball across the box and Naylor followed up with an effort from close range, but the Valiants’ keeper recovered well to prevent an equaliser.
Stockley’s early goal was the only difference between the two sides at the break, after a well-matched first half of few big chances.
The visitors went down to ten men, in the 51st minute, after Mitch Clark was sent off by referee Andrew Humphries for a challenge on Bim Pepple.
Following the red card, the Spireites piled on the pressure after Sparkes’ cross was headed narrowly wide by Tom Naylor. One minute later, Darren Oldaker had a strike from range, which Amos parried. Armando Dobra followed up with a deft attempt first-time, which just went the wrong side of the post.
With 20 minutes to go, Mandeville’s in-swinging corner was whipped to the back post and found the head of substitute Paddy Madden, whose header from a tight angle just evaded Port Vale’s goal.
Eventually, the Spireites got back on level terms in the 76th minute, and deservedly so, after Dobra dispossessed the Valiants’ defence on the edge of the area, composed himself and slotted calmly past Amos.
Metcalfe replaced Oldaker in the 85th minute. It was the loanee’s first appearance since November 2, in the FA Cup against Horsham, due to injury.
The Spireites will be back in action, at the SMH Group Stadium again on Tuesday evening when they face Bromley.
Spireites: Thompson, Donacien (Sheckleford 46’), McFadzean, Grimes ©, Sparkes (Horton 90+1’), Naylor, Oldaker (Metcalfe 85’), Mandeville, Dobra, Colclough (Madden 69’), Pepple (Drummond 85’).
Unused subs: Boot, Fleck.
Attendance: 9,077 (1,049 away)
