The Spireites retained their one-point lead at the top of the National League after a comfortable 2-0 victory over ten-men Solihull Moors at the ARMCO Arena.
A Kyle Storer red card preceded goals first half goals from Alex Whittle and Kabongo Tshimanga, who scored for the sixth game in a row.
The first half failed to spark into action in the opening exchanges with Chesterfield worried about having to make a substitution – as Jeff King hobbled around the pitch.
Saidou Khan drove at the Solihull Moors defence and was brought down just outside the area. King, who had shaken off his knock by this point, forced Ryan Boot into an impressive save with his powerful free-kick.
The game changed in the 27th minute in favour of the away side; Solihull captain Storer clattered Luke Croll with a late and high challenge. Referee Gareth Rhodes was given no choice but to send the defender off.
Within ten minutes, the Spireites made the one-man advantage count. Whittle played a delightful one-two with Tshimanga down the left, who provided an instinctive backheel, before lashing the ball past Boot and into the back of the net.
Despite the man detriment, the Moors came inches away from grabbing a quick equaliser. Adam Rooney’s half-volley was denied by the strong hands of Scott Loach before the duo of Tyrone Williams and Curtis Weston made a goal-saving clearance to prevent Joe Sbarra.
Almost immediately, Chesterfield doubled their lead going into half time. Jim Kellermann played in Tshimanga, who rifled the ball with conviction past Boot from a tight angle.
The second half didn’t live up to fast and furious pace minutes of the first period. Boot’s save from a Weston shot on the edge of the area was the closest either side came to scoring by the hour mark.
James Rowe’s side should’ve scored a third when Kellermann slipped in Khan. The midfielder looked certain to score his seventh of the season but failed to get a shot away before Boot collected the ball.
The Spireites professionally played out the last 25 minutes to remain at the top of the National League and move to nine games unbeaten in all competitions.
Chesterfield (3-4-2-1): Loach; Williams, Grimes, Croll; King, Oyeleke (McCourt 63), Weston, Whittle; Kellermann (Payne 76), Khan (Mandeville 69), Tshimanga.
Unused Substitutes: Minter, Tyson.
Attendance: 1,950 (919 away).
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