Will Grigg scored twice as the Spireites drew 2-2 at Bromley to claim a well-earned point.
The Spireites arrived at a very wet Hayes Lane buoyed by an emphatic weekend win at Doncaster but aware that the Ravens would pose a stiff test, as they did the previous season when they managed to pick up three points after overturning a two-goal deficit.
Chesterfield chose to make five changes from the starting line-up in South Yorkshire. In came Vonte Daley-Campbell, Jamie Grimes, Michael Jacobs, Grigg and Ryan Colclough as Harvey Araujo, Armando Dobra, Devan Tanton, Paddy Madden and Dilan Markanday missed out with just two claiming a berth on the bench.
The rain had eased to a light drizzle by kick-off and Bromley’s new pitch had drained surprisingly well. Jacobs kicked off for the Spireites kicking towards the smaller of the two stands behind the goals. He was in action again a minute later when Colclough shimmied into the box and laid back well, Jacobs could only hit wide of ex-Spireite Grant Smith’s right upright.
It was a cagey opening with the Spireites having the early dominance without really looking a threat but the home side soon got their game together and matched the Spireites for endeavour .
Minutes later the Ravens created the best opening so far as Danny Imray raced down the right flank and floated over a teasing far post ball; Michael Cheek connected but not cleanly, his header running out to safety.
Moments later Imray again burst well on the right and a similar cross, but slightly more central, found the head of Olufela Olomola (14) who made no mistake as he headed firmly home downwards from close range.
The Spireites weren’t behind for long as Grigg (19) tapped home Tom Naylor’s cross from the right byline from close range.
A fantastic Darren Oldaker ball from deep found Colclough, who ran and hit well but his blast was deflected solidly for a corner kick.
Ryan Boot had quite a let-off as he lost control with the ball at his feet; thankfully Cheek was unable to capitalise and the danger was averted. Moments later Boot seemed to be struggling on the now slippery surface as again he lost his footing.
The Spireites took the lead in the 37th minute after an error by home keeper Smith who had the ball at his feet in the area; Grigg sensed an opportunity as Smith clearly didn’t have the ball under full control; he nipped in, gained possession, went wide left and slid coolly home for his second of the game.
The pitch, despite looking in good condition, was causing unforced errors from both teams but the Spireites led at the interval despite some close calls at the end of the half as Bromley whipped in several crosses that couldn’t find a taker.
No changes for either side at the start of the second period but still light rain continued to add to the difficulty underfoot.
Daley-Campbell received just outside the penalty area on right, it warranted a hit but his blast was recklessly high and wide.
The home side gained a free kick ten yards inside the Spireites’ half, a long free kick to the far side saw Sowumni hit the left post and Cheek (50) followed up to hit home from close range into the bottom right corner.
Boot saved the day as Imray closed in on goal but the keeper got his feet cleanly to the ball to clear.
In the 64th minute Paul Cook made a triple change as Dobra, Berry and Jenson Metcalfe all entered play at the expense of Colclough, Daley-Campbell and Jacobs. Three minutes later, Madden took over from Grigg.
With his is first touch, Madden won a corner on the right, a second followed moments later but a promising move ended as Oldaker was deemed to have fouled in the area.
Berry and Dobra combined well, wide left but Berry’s strong hit was held well by Smith. After the changes, the Spireites had offered much more threat.
The final change for the Spireites came with three minutes remaining as Ollie Banks replaced Oldaker.
Metcalfe picked up Chesterfield’s first yellow card after referee Hicks decided his challenge on Ben Thompson warranted such a censure.
Three minutes were added but neither side had the opportunity to further threaten. It ended a fair scoreline in a game that was entertaining and well matched.
Chesterfield: Boot, Naylor, Grimes, Mandeville, Oldaker (Banks 87), Grigg (Madden 67), Jacobs (Metcalfe 63), Colclough (Dobra 64), Gordon, Daley-Campbell (Berry 64), Dunkley
Substitutes not used: Thompson, Williams
Referee: Craig Hicks
