Chesterfield were left frustrated after surrendering their lead late on in a 1-1 draw with Colchester United at the SMH Group Stadium.
The Spireites controlled much of the contest and created enough opportunities to put the game beyond the visitors, but Dilan Markanday’s first-half goal was cancelled out by substitute Ben Perry eight minutes from time.
Paul Cook’s side started brightly and threatened throughout the opening period, with Louie Marsh going closest before the breakthrough.
Marsh saw a superb effort from around 20 yards clip the crossbar, while he later rolled another attempt narrowly wide.
Markanday also tested Colchester goalkeeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala from distance, and Josh Koroma came close when his effort inside the penalty area took a deflection and flashed narrowly wide.
Chesterfield’s pressure finally paid off in the 29th minute. Markanday cut inside from the left before finishing confidently to give the home side a deserved lead.
The Spireites continued to push for a second goal. Marsh had an effort blocked on the line, while Liam Mandeville fired wide as Chesterfield looked to make their dominance count.
The hosts continued to create problems after the break, but Colchester managed to stay in the contest. Frankie Terry produced a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Chesterfield a second, keeping the visitors’ hopes alive.
That proved significant as Colchester found an equaliser in the 82nd minute. Substitute Oscar Thorn delivered a cross from the right, and Perry arrived to head home from close range.
Chesterfield were then given a late scare when substitute Leon Chiwome struck the crossbar in added time, coming agonisingly close to snatching all three points for the visitors.
The Spireites ultimately had to settle for a draw despite enjoying the better of the game for long spells. Their inability to turn their first-half superiority into a more commanding lead proved costly, with Colchester taking advantage late on.
Full-time: Chesterfield 1-1 Colchester United
Chesterfield goalscorer: Dilan Markanday (29′)
Colchester goalscorer: Ben Perry (82′)
Venue: SMH Group Stadium
Chesterfield starting line-up
Ryan Boot; Remeao Hutton, Jack Simpson, Alfie Pond, Lewis Gordon; Ryan Stirk, George McEachran; Josh Koroma, Louie Marsh, Dilan Markanday; Lee Bonis.
Colchester United starting line-up
Thimothee Lo-Tutala; Ellis Iandolo, Frankie Terry, Jack Tucker, Kane Vincent-Young; Rob Hunt, Jay Williams; Moses Sesay, Paul Digby, Jaden Williams; Bradley Ihionvien.
Here’s the full time thoughts of North Derbyshire Radio Chesterfield Reporter George Heeks
