Spireites Lose To League Leaders

Sam Hird was suspended for this game, so Cooper was made Captain in his absence. Lester was dropped because Cook went back to his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation, with Richards given the lone striker role. Richard Brindley made his first senior start, playing at right-back. Clay and Townsend came in, Whitaker was dropped to the bench. The two new loan signings Alex Henshall and Jordan Clark were on the bench.

Charlie lee put his shot wide for Gillingham, then Tommy Lee had to be alert when Chris Whelpdale hit a dangerous low shot, lee pulled off a good save to deny him. Trotman made a brilliant last ditch tackle on McDonald inside his own penalty area. Legge then headed over for the visitors.

Richards hit his effort over, Trotman tried from distance, but was along way off target. Gillingham's Joe Martin put his shot wide just before half-time. Gillingham had enjoyed more possession and created more chances. At least the Spireites were still in it, their defence had stood up well to the visitors attack, the Spireites needed to create more chances if they wanted to win the game.

H.T. 0-0.

After 5 minutes into the second-half Gillingham got their breakthrough, McDonald headed home from Myles Weston's corner.

Townsend hit his effort just over, Lester and Henshall Came on for Clay and O'Shea and the formation was changed to a 4-4-2 as the Spireites looked for the equaliser.

Henshall looked lively and full of energy, taking players on and looking to cut inside, he found Lester who had his shot blocked, he put a few dangerous corners in, but the strong Gillingham defence managed to clear them.

Jordan Clark came on in place of the injured Trotman in the 81st minute, changing to a 3-5-2.

F.T. 0-1

Another disappointing defeat for the Spireites, Stand Up felt:'the endeavour was there but again we lacked penetration, as for the referee he could have taken part in any carry on Film because he was a joke.

Cook speaking on the official site said:'I think our defensive record is okay, We don't concede a lot of goals but that firepower is something that we're lacking.

Defensive wise we are very strong, we just need to create more chances and become clinical in front of goal. We have come up against two very good strong well organised outfits in Rotherham and Gillingham. We didn't get thrashed by them, but we didn't match them either.

Man of the match is Nathan Smith I lost count of how many tackles he put in, no wonder Cook is desperate to offer him a contract. Brindley to me was a close second he had great game and looks a good prospect.

Next up Aldershot hopefully we can up our work rate and create lots of chances. I would definitely start with Hemshall who looked dangerous when he came on, and Brindley deserves to start again. Lets get behind the Spireites on Tuesday night and cheer them onto victory.

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