Chesterfield were left frustrated after surrendering a two-goal advantage to draw with Crawley Town, who claimed their first home point of the season with a second-half comeback.
The Spireites looked on course for victory after goals from Lee Bonis and Louie Marsh put them firmly in control, but substitute Gianmarco Di Biase struck twice in five minutes to rescue a point for the hosts.
Paul Cook’s side, unchanged for the third consecutive league game, made a positive start and Joel Randall threatened twice before Chesterfield took the lead.
Bonis opened the scoring with his fourth league goal of the season, firing a first-time finish beyond the Crawley goalkeeper after being picked out by Lewis Gordon.
The striker had a golden opportunity to double Chesterfield’s advantage just before half-time, but blazed over after being set up by Randall.
The Spireites continued to look dangerous after the break and extended their lead in the 56th minute. Dilan Markanday saw his goalbound effort blocked by Lewis Richards, but Marsh was on hand to collect the loose ball and calmly slot home to make it 2-0.
However, the game turned shortly afterwards when Crawley introduced Di Biase from the bench.
The substitute reduced the deficit from the penalty spot after goalkeeper Ryan Boot was penalised for fouling Priestley Farquharson.
Just five minutes later, Di Biase struck again, getting a deflection on Dylan Morgan’s effort to bring Crawley level and leave Chesterfield facing a frustrating finish.
Despite taking a commanding position in the match, the Spireites were unable to find a late winner and had to settle for a point.
The result will feel like two points dropped for Chesterfield after they had done the hard work to establish a two-goal cushion, while Crawley will take encouragement from their fightback.
