Spireites draw against Notts

David McGoldrick’s late equaliser denied Chesterfield a memorable win over rivals Notts County at a sold-out SMH Group Stadium as the match finished 2-2.

Opposing strikers Paddy Madden and Alassana Jatta scored early goals before substitute Grigg put the Spireites in front, before McGoldrick found the net in the fourth minute of injury time.

Paul Cook made three changes from the side that drew 2-2 with Walsall, with Jenson Metcalfe, James Berry and Madden coming in for Chey Dunkley, Ollie Banks and Grigg.

Notts County won a corner within the opening minute and Jacob Beadeau’s flicked header found the roof of the net.

Madden put the Spireites in front after six minutes when Dilan Markanday’s shot was deflected into his path and dispatched by the striker for his second goal of the season.

The Magpies looked to settle into the game and Chesterfield dealt well with a number of crosses from deep, before Jatta made the pressure pay when he headed past Max Thomspon from George Abbott’s well-weighted cross to equalise in the 15th minute.

Dan Crowley fired high over the crossbar from range before Thomson saved Matt Palmer’s low effort as County continued on the attack.

Despite a narrow angle, Armando Dobra drew a save from Alex Bass on the turn. Thompson was called into action again to beat away Sam Austin’s effort.

The lively Dobra forced another save after cutting inside and aiming for the far corner as Chesterfield enjoyed a strong spell, only interrupted by Crowley curling a shot wide of the far post.

Jatta was able to run in behind as half-time approached but Naylor recovered expertly to deny the Gambian forward. The two sides remained level at the interval.

After an even start to the second half, Jatta was challenged well by Araujo before Lewis Macari headed over from Tottenham loanee Abbott’s cross.

Chesterfield made a double change as Ryan Colclough and Grigg replaced Berry and Madden, with Banks later introduced.

Paul Cook’s substitutions paid off, with Grigg heading past Bass from a corner in front of a jubilant Kop End in the 74th minute to put the Spireites 2-1 up.

Both sides called on experience from the bench, as David McGoldrick and Mike Jones joined the action. Jatta did find the net but the offside flag was raised to the relief of the home fans.

Notts County were awarded a penalty in the third of six added minutes after a handball from Liam Mandeville. McGoldrick’s spot-kick was saved by Thompson, but the ball fell to the veteran striker to tap in for a late equaliser.

A 97th minute free-kick gave the Spireites a final opportunity to claim three points, but Mandeville’s shot was saved by Bass. Chesterfield were held to a third successive draw at home.

Chesterfield: Thompson, Naylor ©, Araujo, Mandeville, Oldaker (Jones 80), Dobra, Berry (Colclough 64), Gordon, Markanday (Jacobs 70), Metcalfe (Banks 70), Madden (Grigg 64).

Unused Substitutes: Rinaldo, Grimes.

Attendance: 10,032 (1,032)