Chesterfield suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Port Vale after Onel Hernandez struck just before half-time to settle a tight contest at Vale Park.
The Spireites had opportunities to take something from the game, particularly during the opening 45 minutes, but were unable to find a way past Vale goalkeeper Marko Marosi.
Lee Bonis registered Chesterfield’s first effort on target with a header that Marosi tipped over the crossbar. The Vale goalkeeper was called into action again to keep out Ryan Stirk’s long-range attempt.
Despite struggling to create much in attack, the hosts took the lead on the stroke of half-time. Hernandez’s clever chip caused problems for the Chesterfield defence, and the forward took advantage of hesitant defending to poke the ball home.
It was a frustrating blow for the Spireites after they had enjoyed some promising moments in the first half.
The second half offered little in the way of clear-cut chances, with both sides struggling to build sustained attacking pressure.
Hernandez tested Ryan Boot with a tame effort, while Louie Marsh and Josh Koroma both had attempts comfortably saved by Marosi as Chesterfield searched for a route back into the contest.
Boot also kept the deficit to one goal with a save from Keyrol Figueroa, giving the Spireites hope of snatching a point late on. However, Chesterfield were unable to create the decisive opportunity and left Staffordshire empty-handed.
The result marked Chesterfield’s fourth league defeat of the campaign, with Paul Cook’s side left to reflect on a performance in which promising first-half efforts were ultimately undone by one costly defensive moment.
Full-time: Port Vale 1-0 Chesterfield
Goal: Onel Hernandez (45′)
Venue: Vale Park
Chesterfield starting line-up
Ryan Boot; Remeao Hutton, Kyle John McFadzean, Jack Simpson, Lewis Gordon; Ryan Stirk, George McEachran; Dilan Markanday, Louie Marsh, Joel Randall; Lee Bonis.
Port Vale starting line-up
Marko Marosi; Cameron Humphreys, Jasper Moon, Connor Hall; Jordan Gabriel, Kyle Dempsey, George Hall, Ben Garrity, Jaheim Headley; Onel Hernandez, Max Watters.
