Chesterfield returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Accrington Stanley, keeping their League Two play-off hopes firmly on track.
Following a midweek defeat to Oldham, Paul Cook’s side responded positively, with Will Dickson’s second-half strike proving the difference at the SMH Group Stadium.
Accrington made the brighter start, with Shaun Whalley testing goalkeeper Ryan Boot early on, while Donald Love went close with a header midway through the first half.
Chesterfield gradually grew into the contest and nearly took the lead on 36 minutes when Kyle McFadzean struck the post from a James Berry corner. From another set-piece, Tom Naylor saw his header saved, before Dilan Markanday’s powerful effort was also denied just before the break.
The breakthrough finally came in the 63rd minute. Naylor’s low cross found Dickson unmarked just yards from goal, and he made no mistake, tapping home his second goal of the season.
The Spireites pushed for a second and were denied by the woodwork again when Lee Bonis struck the post from close range.
At the other end, Boot produced crucial saves to keep Chesterfield in front, denying Tyler Walton and Josh Woods as Accrington searched for an equaliser.
The result provides a timely boost for Chesterfield as they look to strengthen their position in the race for the play-off places.
