Spireites travelled to Roots Hall on a Friday night looking to go 6 games unbeaten. Boa Morte was passed fit, so he replaced Dickenson in midfield.
217 Spireites fans had made the trip to Sothend on a cold miserable Friday evening, among them were the very vocal Belgian Spireites hoping to see their team win for the first time this season.
Southend started quickly by winning a corner, some of the home fans thought they had scored, when former Spireite Hurst hit the side netting with his effort. Boa Morte came close to scoring for the Spireites from distance, his effort just missing the target.
Richards suffered a knock and was taken off to avoid any further damage and was replaced just before half-time by Boden. A poor first-half ended with the home team slightly edging it.
H.T. 0-0
Darikwa came close to putting the visitors ahead when his effort was saved by Smith. Cresswell put the home side ahead when he pounced on to a rebound off Hird, scoring with an half volley. Hurst was causing the Spireites defence all sorts of problems ane he put in a lovely ball which was headed home perfectly by Tomlin.
The Spireites nearly got one back, when O'Shea with his back to the goal, hit an overhead kick just off target with the goalkeeper stranded.
Tomlin got his second when he beat Tommy Lee to a ball from Barker. It could have been worse if Smith had not cleared Freddy Eastwoods effort off the line.
Although the Spireites suffered their worst defeat of the season, they are still only 2 points from the Play-offs. They did come up against an, in form Southend side that have a very experienced squad and a manager that has been successful at this level before.
The Spireites will be looking to bounce back when they entertain first York City on Boxing Day and then Morecambe. Matches the Spireites will need to win if they want to gain promotion this season.
