Dan Gardner's strike in the final fifteen minutes condemns City to defeat against the Spireites...
The Sky Blues’ woes on the road continued, as they were defeated at the Proact Stadium against Chesterfield.
In a cautious start to proceedings, it was Chesterfield who had an early opportunity through a mistake in the City defence. Lee Burge was caught in possession inside his area, but recovered well to save down low.
The first Sky Blues chance fell to the way of George Thomas. The midfielder combined well with Callum Reilly, cutting inside and firing straight at ‘keeper Fulton in the Chesterfield goal.
The home side continued to edge possession in what was becoming a game limited to very few goalscoring chances. A short corner routine found Ched Evans inside the penalty area, but the striker smashed it well over the bar.
City came closest to opening the scoring five minutes before half time, again through Thomas. Debutant Kevin Foley escaped down the right and flashed a ball across the box, with Thomas’ flick going inches wide of the far post.
The Spireites’ main threat seemed to be coming from set pieces, as an inswinging delivery from the right found the head of Sam Hird, but Lee Burge saved comfortably.
The Sky Blues thought they had taken the lead midway through the second half, only to be denied by the linesman. Thomas’ initial effort deflected into the path of Tudgay who finished well, only to see the offside flag raised.
With fifteen minutes to go, it was the home side that took the lead in fantastic fashion. Dan Gardner cut inside onto his right foot and smashed an effort into the top corner, leaving Burge with little chance.
With the game becoming stretched, Chesterfield should have double their advantage through substitute Gboly Ariyibi. Ched Evans delivered a wonderful ball to the back post, but the midfielder could only head over from close range.
With an additional eleven minutes added on due to an injury to defender Tom Anderson, City had a fantastic chance for a late equaliser. Andy Rose flicked Kyel Reid’s cross on, but the incoming Thomas could only fire over
Attendance: 5,896 (1,016)
Yellow: Evans, Haynes, Beavon.
Teams
Subs: Charles-Cook (GK), Turnbull, Dev. Kelly-Evans, Gadzhev, Lameiras.
Chesterfield: Fulton (GK), Hird (C), Evatt, Gardner, Evans, O'Neil, Nolan, Donohue, Dennis, Anderson (Ariyibi 67'), O'Shea.
Subs: Allinson (GK), Ebanks-Blake, Mitchell, Angel, Maguire, Simons.