In front of the lowest ever league gate at their home of three years, Chesterfield were unable to break down a stubborn Aldershot side, drawing 0-0 last night.
The first half was awful, the second better, but still not good enough.
Paul Cook gave first starts to loan pair Jordan Clark and Alex Henshal,l who came in for the injured duo of Craig Clay and Sam Togwell, this being the latter’s first miss of the season. Youth teamer Josh Scully made his first appearance on the bench.
Andy Scott kept former Spireite Terrell Forbes in the centre of defence after his weekend debut in the 2-0 win over Fleetwood.
Jay O’Shea’s blocked shot was the hosts best early chance ahead of Liam Cooper making a vital interception to cut out a cross from Craig Reid, who had rounded Tommy Lee whilst former Spireites triallist Kieron Cadogan lay in wait for a tap-in.
Drew Talbot had to head off the line after Conor Townsend inadvertently diverted a cross towards his own goal and Lee had to dive to deny Hylton as Shots showed plenty of spirit.
Cook introduced Danny Whitaker into the game in what looked like a switch to bring on more experience as the hosts looked devoid of attacking ideas though the defence looked solid.
Reid was thwarted by Lee and then Richards saw a header on target but it was easy for Jamie Young. The break came as a welcome relief for the home fans after an abject opening 45; there were plenty of boos as the players trooped off.
Jack Lester appeared for the second half and immediately laid off for Townsend to chip just over the bar. Whitaker hit just wide from a Nathan Smith ball in, Richards shot over, whilst Clark and Neal Trotman had efforts saved as Spireites showed more in the opening six minutes of the second half than in the entire first.
Trotman headed an O’Shea cross agonisingly wide from the second phase of a corner and Lester hit the side netting.
Townsend hit close from range, Smith found the top of the net with a cross whilst Richards had a header blocked and a shot saved but a third consecutive failure to score was the final result.
Chesterfield (4-4-1-1): Lee 7, Talbot 6, Trotman 8, Cooper 7, Smith 6, Brindley 5 (Whitaker 29, 7), Clark 7, Townsend 5, Henshall 5 (Lester 46, 7), O’Shea 5 (Randall 77), Richards 6. Subs (not used): Barrington, Hazel, Scully, Wafula.
Aldershot (4-4-1-1): Young 6, Herd 6, Bradley 7, Forbes 6, Tonkin 6, Cadogan 7 (A.Morris 83), Risser 7, Rose 6, Vincenti 7, Reid 8, Hylton 7. Subs (not used): G.Morris, Lancashire, McNamee, Mekki, Stanley, Hall.
Ref: David Webb (Consett)
Bookings: Trotman (Chesterfield), Bradley (Aldershot)
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