Chesterfield FC v Hartlepool United Report
Chesterfield were forced to settle for a point after a 1-1 draw against Hartlepool at the Proact Stadium.
The home side took the lead on 30 minutes courtesy of a smart finish from Tendayi Darikwa. The scores were levelled three minutes into the second half after Matty Dolan calmy converted from the penalty spot.
Andy Monkhouse was shown his second yellow of the afternoon with just over 20 minutes to go and will face a one-match suspension, although his side held on for a point in his absence.
Spireites boss Paul Cook made one change from the 2-0 win at Exeter last Friday, with Armand Gnanduillet taking the place of Sheffield United loanee, Callum McFadzean.
In the opening moments, Jonathan Franks forced a strong diving save from Chesterfield goalkeeper Tommy Lee. Armand Gnanduillet’s effort at an open goal was superbly cleared off the line by the visiting defence.
Gnanduillet fired wide of the post from the edge the area. With 18 minutes on the clock, James Poole took to the field in place of the injured Jack Compton.
Marc Richards found Eoin Doyle with a pass using his chest and the Irishman fired wide of the post on the volley. With half-an-hour played, the home side took the lead. A lofted pass from Richards landed in the path of Darikwa, who smartly finished into the bottom left-hand corner of the net.
Throughout the first-half it was a case of one-way traffic, as the home side continued to press forward. Ollie Banks put his headed attempt straight into the arms of Scott Flinders.
Monkhouse shot straight at Lee when he should have done better. On the stroke of half-time, Jack Baldwin was shown a yellow card for a challenge on Doyle.
Immediately after the restart, Hartlepool were awarded a penalty after Sam Hird brought down Poole. Dolan stepped up to take the kick and finished low to the right-hand side of Lee.
A low pass across goal from Gnanduillet was met by Banks, who’s effort was always rising. Richards wasted a fantastic opportunity at goal after he put the ball into the stands.
Just past the hour mark, the visitors’ Monkhouse was booked for simulation inside the area. With 25 minutes to go, Jay O’Shea replaced Gnanduillet.
Monkhouse was then awarded a second yellow for a foul on Drew Talbot and subsequently faced an early bath. Dolan’s effort from distance crashed against the post and went behind for a goal-kick to the home side.
On 76 minutes, Gary McSheffrey took to the field in place of Doyle. Richards spurned yet another chance, after he beat his marker but failed to hit the target.
With just over ten minutes remaining, Sam Togwell was replaced by Liam Cooper. An ambitious headed attempt from Ritchie Humphreys landed in the arms of Flinders.
On 86 minutes, the visitors’ Nialle Rodney replaced Franks. It was then announced that there would be four minutes of additional time.
The last act of the game was a Luke James effort from distance that was magnificently palmed away from goal by Lee.
