Chesterfield were handed their first away defeat in seven by high-flyers Hartlepool who comfortably beat the Spireites 3-1.
James Rowe made three changes to the side who were victorious against Bromley in midweek. Gavin Gunning, Martin Smith and Kairo Mitchell made way for Josef Yarney, Martin Smith and Kairo Mitchell.
The home side started well and went ahead within the opening five minutes. Gavan Holanhan forced Grant Smith into action when he headed a corner towards goal. The rebound fell kindly to Rhys Oates who poked home from close range.
In the 39th minute Pools advantage was extended to two after Jamie Sterry’s cross (which was looking for Luke Amstrong) was turned into the Chesterfield net by Yarney.
Chesterfield nearly halved the deficit soon after through Danny Rowe whose free-kick was parried into the path of Fraser Kerr who couldn’t keep his shot down.
Dave Challinor’s side added a third two minutes before the break when Holohan’s effort cannoned off the post and fell to Armstrong who struck home from close range.
Rowe made a substitution at the break with Liam Mandeville replacing Joel Taylor. This also meant a change in shape for his side who switched to a back four.
On the hour mark Chesterfield were handed a lifeline when Kerr rose highest to head Mandeville’s corner into the net. However the Spirietes only managed to claw one goal back and were defeated by Dave Challinor’s side at Victoria Park.
Chesterfield: G Smith, Carline, Yarney, Kerr, Maguire , Taylor (Mandeville 46’), Weston, Oyeleke, Clarke (Mitchell 82’), Tyson (Rowley 54’), Rowe.
Unused Substitutes: M Smith, Whelan.
Chesterfield now look to bounce back against league-leaders Torquay United who travel to the Technique Stadium on Monday. Gary Johnson's side come into the game on the back of a 3-1 victory over Eastleigh. The Gulls are in superb form with 9 wins in their last 11 games and sit top of the pile one point clear of Sutton who do have a game in hand.
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