The Spireites suffered a defeat on the opening day of National League with Alfie Pavey's brace securing a 2-1 win for Dover.
John Sheridan’s team selection came as a surprise to many but he was left with little choice in the matter, with Laurence Maguire and Haydn Hollis missing out due to illness. Also Anthony Spyrou was unable to make the side due to a tight thigh.
Dover started well with Shwan Jalal forced into making two saves early on in the contest. Former Chelsea Academy midfielder Michael Woods had his well-hit effort tipped over the bar in the 5th minute. Jalal then denied Jack Munns a minute later.
Chesterfield struggled to look after the ball and many advances were over hit leaving Scott Boden and Jack McKay with little to work with.
A great ball from Robbie Weir found Liam Mandeville on the left-hand side, he cut inside and went down but the penalty appeal was swiftly dismissed by man in the middle Andrew Kitchen.
Chesterfield registered their first shot of the game in the 43rd minute courtesy of Boden, but it wasn’t on target with the ball flying wide of the goal..
The home side made the brighter start to the second period with Dover ‘keeper Lee Worgan forced into making a series of stops in the 55th minute.
He was first tested by Mandeville’s cross from the right, but his punch fell to Boden, who was denied the chance to open the scoring by Worgan’s dive to save.
Another chance to take the lead came for Chesterfield just a minute later. Will Evans latched onto David Buchanan’s cross, but his attempt went wide of the left post.
Sheridan's side took the lead on the 72nd minute. Joe Rowley’s ball from the right fell to Boden’s feet, who turned and slotted it into the right corner to put the Blues ahead.
However, the lead hardly five minutes when Dover substitute Pavey found an equaliser in the 77th minute. The striker got onto the end of Josh Passley’s cross to head in from close range.
The Whites found a winner in the 85th minute. Super-sub Pavey managed to find the back of the net with his head once again, putting his side 2-1 up going into the dying embers of the game.
In injury time Pavey could have had his hat trick when he found himself one-on-one with Jalal. The experienced keeper managed to block his shot and keep the score at 2-1, with the full time whistle blown shortly after.
Chesterfield: Jalal, Smith (C), Yarney, Evans, Buchanan, Rowley, Weir (Wakefield 86), Weston, Mandeville, Boden, McKay .
Attendance: 4332 (133 away)
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