OWN GOAL REIGNITES SPIREITES’ DROP FEARS
STRIKER Scott Boden completed a hat-trick that he won’t want to claim as the relegation blues returned to haunt John Sheridan’s Chesterfield.
Boden inadvertently sliced George Thomson’s inswinging cross into his own net as early as the eighth minute whilst the Spireites had to wait until added time for their big chance when Tom Denton headed against a post.
Boden, Chesterfield’s match-winner in their last home game, has now scored for three clubs at the Proact this term having also notched for Gateshead.
Harrogate defended resolutely to boost their play off chances hugely without creating too much themselves.
“We’re going to enjoy this weekend because this was a massive win for us,” said Town manager Simon Weaver.
“My players have given everything and defensively that is our best performance of the season. We haven’t kept a clean sheet for a long time and that was a very important one.”
Harrogate’s fortunate break came during a bright start that quickly had Chesterfield on the back foot. Keeper Shwan Jalal just managed to parry Lloyd Kerry’s shot for a corner before Thomson’s wicked cross induced the fatal error from Boden.
Thomson also saw a goalbound effort deflected to safety by Laurence Maguire and Warren Burrell nodded over.
Lee Shaw lashed Chesterfield’s first effort at goal over the top in added time after a disjointed first half from the hosts. Kerry and Muldoon went close to doubling Harrogate’s lead in the opening minutes of the second half before Sheridan threw on Denton and fit-again Charlie Carter to try to turn the tide. Both substitutes flicked headers wide but the nearest the underworked James Belshaw came to a direct save was when he did just enough to put off Boden as he latched onto a Jerome BinnomWilliams cross. The Spireites, though, should have snatchedin added time. Denton timed his header perfectly from a BinnomWilliams centre only to be denied by the inside of the post. “We deserved something out of the game despite not playing,” said Sheridan, after his first league defeat in five games since returning to the club. “I don’t think there’s too much between the sides at the top and bottom of this league. But we’ve got to dig out a few results.” A hectic programme will determine Chesterfield’s fate, but Sheridan said: “I welcome playing Saturday and Tuesday, it’s better than training. I’ve got 24 players and it’s possible I’ll make changes.”