The Spireites battle through the wind and the rain to win 2-1 at Colchester, managing to hold on to a 2-1 lead for 45 minutes.
Neal Trotman and Liam Ridehalgh return to the side after being cup tied in the midweek 1st leg victory over Oldham. Mark Allott replaced the injured Jimmy Juan in centre midfield. The Spireites looked determined and were soon in the lead, Lester heading home a Talbot cross. A poor back pass from Allott let Colchester back in, when Gillespie picked up the ball and ran at the defence who backed off, and he fired past Lee. With half time approaching Ridehalgh took a free kick and Thompson headed past Williams to put the blues ahead. The Spireites went in at half time 2-1 ahead.
United threw everything at the Spireites bringing on Massey after 53 minutes, who scored against the Spireites for Yeovil earlier in the season when on loan from Watford. The Spireites stood firm and showed real grit and determination to keep Colchester out. It was also agony for the fans, knowing they had been so close on numerous occasions this season, only to concede before the end. This time they held on, to send the travelling fans home happy.
Could this be the turning point for the Spireites, with the midfield much improved and the defence becoming more solid. Lester and Boden ran their hearts out, and they are building a good partnership up together. Next Bournemouth at home on Friday with Hurst an injury doubt, he has gone back to his club to receive physio and spend time in an hydro pool. Fingers cross he is fit to play, with Westcarr, Randall, Morgan and Ford all trying to recover from injuries.
