Chesterfield and their travelling support, arrived at Spotland, on a dull, damp Saturday afternoon, hoping to continue in the manner that they have begun the season, with another victory.

Spireites boss Paul Cook named the same side, that started in the win against Cheltenham, last weekend.

Two minutes in, a slick passing move nearly released Drew Talbot, but a poor pass from Jay O’shea followed. Gary Roberts then launched a cross into the Dale box, but striker Marc Richards failed to connect.

The Spireites were putting heavy pressure on the Rochdale defence. Another Roberts cross led to the visitors’ first goal, when on 20 minutes, Richards directed his header straight past Dale goalkeeper Josh Lillis, handing the away side a deserved lead.

Not long after, the home side were awarded a penalty, after Sam Morsy was caught in possession. George Donnolly stepped up, then missed the penalty, after it hit the post.

Seconds later, Rochdale were given another penalty, when goalkeeper Tommy Lee committed a foul inside his area. He was shown a yellow card, to the disbelief of the home fan’s. Andrew Tutte made no mistake with the second, and netted the equaliser.

Chesterfield lost their focus, ultimately failing to build decent attacks, and having to sustain heavy pressure. Somehow, they managed to get in level at the break.

After the restart, Michael Rose took a Rochdale free kick, but his effort went straight over the bar. The home side then took the lead, when in the 50th minute, Scott Hogan burst into the box, beat Ryan Edwards, then finished well past Lee.

Cook then introduced Irishman Eoin Doyle, in Nathan Smith’s place, changing the Spireites formation to an attacking 4-4-2.

Roberts managed to beat the off-side trap, but his shot went wide. Just after the hour mark, the visitors’ got their equaliser. A chipped cross from Jimmy Ryan was met by the troublesome Roberts, who neatly lifted his effort over Lillis, capping off another brilliant move.

The goal spurred the away side on, creating chance after chance, but the Rochdale defence held firm. On the counter, Dale midfielder Rose put a low cross into the Spireites box, but the experienced Ritchie Humphreys got back well to clear.

O’shea had a chance to win the game in the closing stages, but his effort failed to trouble Lillis. Four minutes of added time was signalled, but neither side could grab the winning goal, with the match ending as a draw.

After some controversial decisions from the officials, a draw will be seen as a fair result.  After two wins and a draw, it has been a bright start to the new season for the Spireites.