Quigley steps up for Spireites
SUBSTITUTE Joe Quigley earned Chesterfield a much-needed returned to winning ways to keep their promotion ambitions on track.
Quigley climbed off the bench to net his first Spireites goal after Wealdstone’s Josh Umerah had earlier cancelled out Jamie Grimes’ early opener.
The result ended a fourmatch winless run for Paul Cook’s men and keep the Spireites well in the mix for a play-off place.
They started strongly and went close to an opener inside five minutes when Grimes rose highest to meet Jeff King’s free-kick, but the defender could only head wide.
Three minutes later, the Stones created their first goal scoring opportunity with Rhys Browne cutting inside and firing in an effort well held by Scott Loach.
Chesterfield, however, remained on top with Jim Kellermann testing home keeper George Wickens, while Liam Mandeville failed to find the target after Tom Denton had headed Grimes’ deep cross across goal.
King’s shot from the edge of the area flew narrowly over the crossbar so it was no surprise when they did eventually force the breakthrough on 35 minutes – and in somestyle. Denton nodded the ball to captain Gavin Gunning, who teed up Grimes to smash a half-volley into the top corner past Wickens.
The Stones returned from the interval with added impetus and drew level within seven minutes. Nathan Ferguson picked out Charles Clayden on the left; the winger then surged past Tyrone Williams and crossed to Umerah at the far post, with the striker poking the ball home past Loach.
Back came Chesterfield, however, and it was they who assumed the lead again in superb fashion. Akwasi Asante held the ball up and substitute Quigley, who had replaced Denton just nine mimnutes earlier, rocketed a shot from the edge of the area straight into the top corner.
Quigley went close to extending the visitors’ advantage further as he picked up the ball and drove forward before firing an effort that just missed the target.
Wealdstone were second best but they did concern Cook’s men on 85 minutes when Clayden’s cross found Jamie Mascoll free at the back post but the substitute shot over the crossbar from close range.
More drama ensured in the dying moments when Loach spilled Aaron Henry’s fierce free-kick but Ira Jackson struck the rebound wide.
Wealdstone assistant manager Matt Saunders said: “We were incredibly unlucky not to get a point at the minimum. I thought we played well and controlled large portions of the game with the ball.
“We can’t ask for more than that from the players, so it was a good performance, just unfortunate we didn’t get our rewards.”
STAR MAN: Jamie Grimes (Chesterfield) ATT: 1,337 ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★ REFEREE: Robert Whitton