Spireites dig deep to see off Bury challenge maintain unbeaten run

Last night they convincingly buried Bury, though there were a few anxious moments after the victors took their foot off the gas at 1-0, allowing the visitors to level through Colin Woodthorpe.

However equilibrium was only restored for two minutes. Steve Fletcher restored home advantage with his second goal and Jack Lester rounded things off with his fifth goal in five games.

Chesterfield, without Aaron Downes and Adam Rooney who were both away on international duty, plus midfielder Jamie Winter (ankle) as well as longer term injured players, gave a League debut to 17-year-old home grown boy Ben Algar on the left wing, and the second year scholar put in a great shift, showing several good touches, powerful runs and quality crosses, all of which led to him receiving a standing ovation when he was substituted five minutes from time.

It was no surprise when Fletcher headed Chesterfield ahead.

Lester and Algar squandered the best early chances as Spireites dominated but they had to wait for Peter Leven's pinpoint cross to find the ex-Bournemouth target man to grab his first League goal in over a year.

On the hour, Bury's introduction of striker Andy Mangan coupled with a period of lethargy from the hosts, changed the dynamics of the contest. With his first touch, he forced Barry Roche to make a fine one-on-one save and was in the thick of things as Woodthorpe pulled the Shakers levelwith a header.

That shock stung Chesterfield into action and Fletcher nodded in his second from a Phil Picken cross and Lester maintained his scoring spree, receiving off a terrific Fletcher turn and lay-off to strike from 15 yards.

Fletcher had chances to claim the match ball but saw keeper Jim Provett deny him and a last gasp header flew just wide as the home side ended well on top and deservedly continued their unbeaten league run. Bury1

chesterfield

Roche 7, Picken 8, Kovacs 7, Gray 7, Robertson 7, Lowry 9, Niven 7, Leven 8, Algar 8 (O'Hare 85 mins), Fletcher 8, Lester 7. Unused subs: Jordan, Allison, Law, Jackson

bury

Provett 6, Morgan 6, Futcher 5, Challinor 6, Scott 6, Parrish 6, Barry-Murphy 5, Woodthorpe 6, Dean 5 (Mangan 60 7), Adams 6 (Dorney 83), Bishop 6.

Unused subs: Haslam, Rouse, Baker

details

Referee: Gavin Ward (Surrey)

Attendance: 4,161