Report by North Derbyshire Radio’s Ben Smith.
Chesterfield picked up a point for the third game running on Saturday, holding League Two leaders Bromley to a goalless draw at the SMH Group Stadium.
The Spireites returned to action for the first time since snatching a last-gasp point at MK Dons on January 4; a result which closed a hectic festive schedule containing four matches in just ten days.
Paul Cook and Co. were perhaps grateful for the extended rest when last weekend’s scheduled home match against Colchester United was postponed then, but there would be no easing back in against a table-topping Bromley team who had won 11 of their last 12 league games.
A largely quiet first half played out in relatively even fashion though, with the standout action seeing Lee Bonis poke just wide for the hosts and Mitch Pinnock forcing Zach Hemming to palm away at the other end.
With things remaining goalless as the game ticked into its final third, it started to look like it could be a day where a ‘super sub’ might be needed for either side to find a decisive edge.
One such player introduced was Freddie Ladapo (amongst a number making their first home outing for the Blues) and he was presented with two quick-fire opportunities to break the deadlock.
Ladapo could though only head straight at opposing stopper Grant Smith with the first of those attempts and then lift the ball well over the bar from the rebound.
But the true chance to secure hero status fell to visiting substitute Nicke Kabamba, as he stepped up to the penalty spot after Dylan Duffy had been penalised for handball in the closing stages.
That spot-kick would, however, be saved by Hemming as he repeated the trick he pulled to preserve a 1-1 draw at Oldham Athletic on New Year’s Day.
So 0-0 it would remain, marking the first time Bromley had failed to secure all three points since a 3-1 loss at Walsall on November 29.
And having now drawn three in a row, Chesterfield will look to return to winning ways when they travel to take on relegation-threatened Newport County next weekend.
