Possession of the Ernie Moss Challenge Cup remains with Matlock Town after the Spireites lost 2-1 defeat at the Proctor Cars Stadium in their opening pre-season fixture.
After a goalless first half, Will Grigg gave Chesterfield the lead before two trialists scored for the hosts.
The Spireites’ intent to press was clear from kick-off, with Trialist hurtling towards Matlock keeper Myles Boney and seeing his block fly wide of the goal.
The first effort on goal for Paul Cook’s side came six minutes in. Dylan Duffy beat his man on the left wing to swing in the cross to find Trialist who struck wide from the edge of the box.
Zach Hemming was called into action inside the opening ten minutes. Ben Sault drove forward for the hosts before playing to Montel Gibson who saw his effort denied from close range.
This time on the right, Duffy once again found space to deliver into the box, whipping a ball towards Liam Jessop who couldn’t direct his header goalwards.
Bailey Hobson had a chance on the half hour mark after finding space to shoot from outside the box, dragging a low effort wide of the net.
Duffy continued his energetic performance, driving to the byline a couple of minutes before the break before his cross was caught by Boney.
The sides headed into the interval at 0-0 with the Spireites fielding a new 11 for the second half.
The deadlock was broken seven minutes after the break. Vontae Daley-Campbell strode down the right wing with ease and delivered a low ball into Grigg who slotted home to make it 1-0.
Firmly in the opposition half, Paul Cook’s men threatened again when Adam Lewis volleyed from the left of the box and was denied only by Boney who rose well to tip it behind.
Matlock levelled in the 58th minute against the run of play when Trialist hit a curling effort into the top right corner. Ryan Boot got a hand on the effort but was unable to prevent it creeping in.
Grigg had another chance with 20 minutes to play, this time getting on the end of Lewis’ cross and flicking into Boney’s hands.
Adam Clayton’s side took the lead nine minutes from time when Trialist ran through on goal and rounded Boot before tapping home.
The Spireites are back in action on Tuesday night, playing hosts to Burton Albion who travel to the SMH Group Stadium for a 7pm kick-off.
Spireites
First half: Hemming, Sheckleford, Dunkley ©️, McFadzean, Gordon, Stirk, Trialist, Jessop, Hobson, Duffy, Trialist
Second half: Boot, Daley-Campbell, Naylor, Grimes, Lewis, Fleck, Dibley-Dias, Markanday, Grigg, Dobra, Cook
Unused subs: Rinaldo, Elliott
Attendance: 2,300
