VIDEO: On this day in 1997 Spireites draw 3-3 with Middlesbrough

NDET 95946
Chesterfield FC v Middlesborough at Old Trafford from 1997 draw in the FA cup semi final. — NDET 95946 Chesterfield FC v Middlesborough at Old Trafford from 1997 draw in the FA cup semi final.

The Spireites took on Middlesbrough at Old Trafford and had it not been for a decision to wrongly disallow a goal, would probably have reached the final to play Chelsea at Wembley.

Jonathan Howard’s shot appeared to cross the line after hitting the bar, and would have put Chesterfield 3-1 up against the 10 men from the Premier League club.

Vladimir Kinder was sent off for two first half yellow cards, handing Division Two Chesterfield a man advantage.

Andy Morris scored the game’s first goal on 54 minutes, and then won a penalty on the hour mark that Sean Dyche put away with aplomb.

But Fabrizio Ravanelli pulled one back four minutes later, and on 70 minutes, shortly after Chesterfield had a good goal ruled out, Craig Hignett equalised from the spot.

In extra-time Middlesbrough thought they had won it through Gianluca Festa, but with just one minute remaining in the game, Jamie Hewitt, the only Chesterfield- born player in the Spireites line-up, scored to secure a replay at Hillsborough.

Chesterfield would go on to lose that game 3-0.