Chesterfield came from behind to draw 1-1 with Gillingham. Elliott Nevitt put the visitors ahead in the first half before Will Grigg’s 77th minute goal secured a point for the Spireites.
There were five changes from Saturday’s 4-0 defeat away to Tranmere, including a return from injury for defender Kyle McFadzean, who had been out since the end of January. Grigg, John Fleck, Dylan Duffy and Paddy Madden also came into the side.
Gareth Ainsworth arrived in the hunt for his first win in charge of the Gills after replacing John Coleman last month, with his side a comfortable ten points above the relegation zone coming into the game.
Gillingham defender Sam Gale denied Duffy’s effort on the goalline with his chest after less than 35 seconds, with the Spireites winger almost capitalising on a mix-up involving goalkeeper Glenn Morris.
Jonny Williams’ effort was blocked by Jenson Metcalfe as the Spireites were hit on the counter-attack, but recovered well to defend.
Nevitt gave Gillingham the lead after 14 minutes, picking out the bottom corner with a composed finish from Aaron Rowe’s cutback.
Both sides battled for control of a stop-start physical affair, with very few clear-cut chances for either team after the opening goal.
Paul Cook was shown a yellow card in the dugout by referee Martin Woods in the 37th minute as the home fans made their frustration known to the officials.
Conor Masterson headed over at the back post from an inswinging Rowe corner as the visitors came close to doubling their lead.
Chesterfield were unable to force an opening before half-time and trailed 1-0 at the break.
Rowe’s low effort stung the palms of Ryan Boot early in the second half, before two efforts from Metcalfe were blocked at the other end.
The Spireites went close again when Grigg headed back across goal and Michael Olakigbe’s volley was deflected wide.
Joe Gbode came close for Gillingham on the break, finding the side netting from 25 yards out after battling to win the ball from Ash Palmer.
Substitute Armando Dobra’s trickery earned the Spireites a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area, and Liam Mandeville’s effort cleared the crossbar.
The Spireites equalised with 13 minus remaining when Ryan Colclough set up Grigg from the bench to slam the ball past Morris for his ninth League Two goal for Chesterfield.
Colclough’s well-struck volley flew over the crossbar in the 86th minute, with the points shared under the floodlights.
Chesterfield: Boot, Gordon, McFadzean (Grimes 69), Palmer, Mandeville, Metcalfe (Dobra 69), Fleck, Olakigbe, Madden (Banks 80), Duffy (Colclough 69), Grigg (Pepple 86)
Unused substitutes: Thompson, Naylor
