Spireites Fall to Defeat at Colchester.

Goals from both Rhys Healey and Freddie Sears following Sam Clucas’s first-half strike confined Chesterfield to a 2-1 defeat at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Tuesday night.

With just one minute on the clock, the Spireites took the lead courtesy of a majestic chip from Clucas over Sam Walker after a weaving run down the left-hand side that beat several members of the hosts’ defence. George Moncur attempted a shot from distance that was ultimately held with ease by Tommy Lee in the Chesterfield goal.  

A floating ball over the top made its way to O'Shea, whose half-volley sailed narrowly wide of the post from an awkward angle. Banks was next to test the opposing goalkeeper, but the midfielder’s 30-yard drive was palmed away from danger by Walker.

Involved in the play once again, Banks went close with a glancing header that eventually bounced out of play for a goal-kick. Daniel Jones drove forwards prior to firing a low cross into the area, which Doyle failed to control and ultimately gave up possession.

Only five minutes had been played in the second period before the home side netted an equaliser through Healey's curled finish from the left-hand side, as Tendayi Darikwa was caught out of position and the striker simply took advantage. Healey broke free of the Spireites' defence once again before directing the ball low and wide of the post, spurning a glorious opportunity to net a quick-fire second for his side.

Jimmy Ryan’s disappointing cross was simply too close to Walker and not one member of the Chesterfield attack tried to connect with the driven ball across the face of goal. Aiming to re-instate the previous advantage, O’Shea controlled a lofted pass from Darikwa before unleashing a strike that was always rising into the stands. 

On 87 minutes, the U’s netted their second of the evening through a superb strike from Sears that left Lee firmly rooted to the spot. Cook's men managed to create one glaring opportunity during the four minutes of additional time, as Dan Gardner produced a superb piece of skill to beat his marker, only to be denied at the very end as Walker produced an almost impossible save.