Disappointing Spireites Draw A Blank.

The Spireites needed a win against Aldershot Town if they were going to keep their very slim chances of making the play-offs alive. Togwell and clay were unavailable after picking up injuries against Gillingham. Jordan Clark made his start in the heart of midfield and Alex Henshall made his full debut playing at left wing. A crowd of just under 4,000 had turned up on a very bitter cold evening. My two sons were flag bearers for the game, luckily they didn't injure any Chesterfield players when they waved their flags, I was a relieved and very proud dad.

The young and inexperienced Spireite midfield were struggling to retain possession and were struggling to win control. Brindley was unfortunate to be subbed with almost half an hour of the game gone and replaced by the experienced and more attacking Danny Whittaker. Although Danny was unable to make a real impact on the game as a very disappointing first half ended for the Spireites.

H.T. 0-0.

Jack Lester came on for Henshall as Cook again called on experience to boost the attack. The formation was changed to a 4-4-2 with Lester supporting Richards upfront. Moments after kick-off Lester won the ball before Whittaker let loose with a strike that went just over. Lester had a chance himself but failed to convert, hitting his effort just wide. Whittaker found some space on the left and ran at the visitors defence before setting up Richards, his attempted lob just missing the target. The Spireites created more chances in the first 5 minutes after the break than they did in the whole of the first-half.

Lester and Whittaker were having a big influence on the game, driving the Spireites forward, Whitaker's dangerous corner eventually found Trotman who put his header just inches wide of the upright.

Lester almost scored but only found the side netting with his effort. Vincent came close for the visitors at other end, his effort going through the legs of Talbot and wide of the goal. Randall came on for O'Shea with just 13 minutes of the game left, but he failed to find his trade mark killer pass.

F.T. 0-0.

Stand Up summed up the evening by saying:'I can liken being a Spireite to trying to do a 500 piece jigsaw with only 499 pieces. Your constantly looking for the missing piece."

Well lets hope the missing piece turns up soon, I think we might have to wait until the summer before we will see a squad good enough to compete and succeed in League 2.

Man of the Match was again Nathan Smith, surely he will win the Spireites Player of the Year Award for this season because he has been absolutely outstanding. Lester and Whittaker deserve a mention for their contribution in the second-half has they tried to drive the team on to victory.

Cook talking to the Official site said:'We hold our hands up - there'll be no ducking or diving from me. We're trying everything possible to get that goal and all of a sudden especially with the young kids, I felt it wasn't right for them. The quicker I could get them off the pitch the better, because it was a night for experienced players. '

Dagenham away on Saturday, their manager was John Still, but today he left to take charge of Luton Town.

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