The Spireites’ return to the EFL after six years ended in a 1-1 draw with Swindon Town at the SMH Group Stadium.
Armando Dobra gave his side a 15th minute lead before Will Wright’s blockbuster gave the Robins a share of the spoils.
New signings Devan Tanton, Chey Dunkley and Lewis Gordon made their first competitive starts.
Chesterfield had the bigger share of possession early on but neither side could create a chance in the first 15 minutes.
However, the roof of the SMH Group Stadium was soon off; Ollie Banks’ precise through ball found Will Grigg, who was initially denied by Jack Bycroft at the near post. Dobra latched onto the rebound and poked the ball into an a largely empty net.
Michael Jacobs looked to have won a penalty when he was upended in the area by Grant Hall, but referee Scott Oldham waved away appeals. Paul Cook was then booked for his protestations.
Harry Smith had the visitors’ best chance of the first period; his header from Jeff King’s cross went just wide of the goal
In the 36th minute, Bycroft kept Swindon just a goal down. Colclough found Grigg, who turned and saw his goal-bound effort pushed away by the goalkeeper.
Darren Oldaker looked to add a second soon before the break but his free-kick cleared the bar.
At the start of the second half, Swindon had the faster start. They failed to translate it into clear-cut chances, with a 25-yard effort from Wright, that dribbled wide of the net, the closest they came.
The Blues’ first chance of the second 45 came when Dunkley latched onto Tanton’s cross – his header was claimed by Bycroft.
In the 65th minute, Wright stunned the majority of the 9,262 into silence; his deep run was followed up by a thunderbolt from range that flew past Ryan Boot.
Substitute James Berry came close to finding the net but his free-kick whistled wide of the mark.
Chesterfield gave their all to try and find a winner, however they were denied by a resolute Swindon defence and the game ended level.
Chesterfield: Boot, Tanton, Naylor, Dunkley, Gordon, Banks, Oldaker, Jacobs (Mandeville 72), Dobra (Drummond 85), Colclough (Berry 72), Grigg (Quigley 85).
Unused Substitutes: Daley-Campbell, Williams, Akinola.