Chesterfield were denied three points after a second half equaliser from Gillingham cancelled out Josh Koroma’s first goal for the Spireites to see the game end 1-1.
Paul Cook’s side were unchanged from their 2-1 defeat away at Rotherham whilst Gareth Ainsworth made one change from their 1-1 draw against Northampton. Lamin Sillah was tasked with leading the line in place of Will Goodwin.
It was a positive start for Chesterfield with strong linkup between Koroma and Lewis Gordon, with the latter having the most notable chance, dragging his shot wide.
The early Spireites pressure finally reaped its reward with summer signing Koroma opening his League two account for the season.
Kyle McFadzean played a ball over the top to the onrushing Markanday who linked up closely with Liam Mandeville. His delivery found the goalscorer who slotted the ball into the bottom right corner past Oliver Wright in the Gillingham net.
Dilan Markanday was heavily involved in the first half, his quick feet in tight spaces allowed him to test Wright in the Gills goal on multiple occasions.
The Spireites continued to surge forward in numbers, Mandeville having his shot blocked before another skilful run by Markanday forced a strong save out of Wright as they looked for a two-goal cushion.
It was a dominant first half display from the Spireites as they looked to get their second win of the campaign.
Chesterfield built on their positive first half as they continued to dominate possession, McFadzean came the closest to doubling their lead, flicking just over the crossbar with a difficult finish.
From nowhere Gillingham found themselves level. Jack Simpson lost out to Ronan Hale whose deflected finish found its way into the net.
The home side tried to retake control of the game, bringing on Tom Naylor along with summer signings Fraser Bryden and Louie Marsh, his first outing for the Spireites.
Chesterfield started to threaten late on, Mandeville forced a save from Wright at his near post. This was followed by a flurry of corners which saw the SMH Group Stadium buoyed by this growing pressure as the search for the late winner continued.
Despite the frenetic finish the Spireites had to settle for a point.
Chesterfield host Barnet on Saturday whilst Gillingham travel to Rochdale.
Chesterfield: Boot, Hutton (Eccleston 90), Simpson, McFadzean, Gordon, Stirk, McEachran (Naylor 76), Mandeville, Markanday, Koroma (Marsh 76), Bonis (Bryden 77).
