New signing Jamie Lawrence was handed the captains armband by Nicky Law in a move that smacked of desperation. The armband was available because Stuart Campbell dropped to the bench. Up front Jonny Rowan was totally dropped in favour of Mickael Antoine-Curier. Phil Jevons was punished for not being 6’5 by finding himself on the bench. Iain Anderson started on the wing. Joining Rowan in the stands was Mike Edwards, Jason Crowe started at rightback. Isaiah Rankin returned from injury fresh from signing a permanent deal to start up front.
In case you’re confused it was Fettis, Crowe, Warhurst, Young, Armstrong, Anderson, Coldicott, Lawrence, Barnard, Rankin and Antoine-Curier in a 4-4-2 system. Jevons, Mansaram, Campbell, Thorrington and Ford made up the bench.
This game took ages to get into life. So much so that I can’t remember anything of not happening until 19 minutes. Chesterfield won a free-kick about 30 yards from Fettis’ goal. Alan O’Hare’s shot was never going to trouble Fett’s but Glynn Hurst’s head changed the balls direction and made it 1-0. Header of deflection, you decide.
Town responded in typical fashion, by defending! Reeves linked up with Brandon with the former Torquay midfielder bringing a fine save from Fettis.
Town plodded about a bit with any moves usually breaking down at Antoine-Curier’s introduction. The Frenchman looked five yards off the pace and despite some physical advantage failed to win a single header all game, that I can remember.
On 35 minutes Town drew level. Barnard’s short free-kick was met by the on-running Anderson. The little Scot skipped past his first challenge before cutting back inside past another defender. Having created time for himself Anderson used it well. His shot was hit well and skimmed across the surface to beat Carl Muggleton at his far post.
A great individual goal that proved what Anderson can do when on fire. How badly Town need the likes of Anderson to stay on fire until the end of the season.
With a rare away goal to spur them on, Town took the game to Chesterfield. On 42 minutes they took the lead, in contraversial circumstances. The ball went out for a throw-in about 20 yards from Muggleton’s goal. Chesterfield appealed against referee Frazer Stretton’s decision to award it to Town. Whilst they protested Town took advantage. Campbell’s quick throw found Antoine-Curier in space, the Frenchman surprised everyone by controlling and cutting back for Captain Lawrence. The new boy struck low past Muggleton from 15 yards to give Town a sudden, probably underserved, lead going into the break.
The second half saw Town try to defend the lead with some very, very deep play. This despite the fact we can’t defend at the best of times. With that in mind, would you encourage teams to attack at will?
Town’s desire to just try and hold out backfired, although it did take until 66 minutes for that to happen. Gus Uhlenbeek curled in a free-kick from the right towards David Reeves. The veteran outjumped Paul Warhurst and guided his header past Fettis to level the game.
Soon after Town were forced into a chance. Greg Young, who earlier picked up a shoulder injury, aggrivated the problem and had to leave the pitch with help from Paul Mitchell. Law showed he does have balls by bringing on Phil Jevons in his place. Craig Armstrong moved into central defence, Barnard dropped back to fullback with Jevons occupying the left wing.
Jevons’ introduction added some guile and craft to Town’s play although the expectations on the No 12 is sometimes just too much.
Stretton then adhered himself to his tradition as a crap ref by awarding a nothing penalty following Jason Crowe’s challenge on Brandon. Reeves stepped up to beat Fettis from 12 yards to give Chesterfield the lead.
As Town looked to get something out the game Antoine-Curier was replaced by Mansaram. Flash did everything the Frenchman didn’t. He looked hungry and eager and made a general nuisance of himself.
Town finally drew level with four minutes to go, again Stretton was involved. Town won a free-kick 30 yards out, Chesterfield’s Mark Innes kicked the ball away. Having already picked up a yellow card, Stretton sent him off. The ball was also moved forward 10 yards. Barnard and Anderson stood over the ball but it was the Welsh international who curled the ball round the wall, inside the post and past Muggleton to send the Town fans wild.
With the fans still celebrating Town struck again. From the kick-off Barnard played the ball across field to Mansaram in the corner. Flash read the ball better than his defender and cut back across the goal for Rankin to scuffle into the empty net. Rankin celebrated in front of the fans with what seemed the winner.
Sadly Town once again shot themselves in the foot. Brandon raced into the area and Crowe again was adjudged to have brought him down. Another poor decision from Stretton but it stood and Reeves strode up to complete his hat-trick as injury time started.
The Town players continued to protest ot Stretton and Mansaram was sent off for doing so.
Town probably didn’t deserve the win, nevermind a point but to lose after such a comeback was heartbreaking and you fear it may be prove crucial come May. Town lacked creativity from midfield with no Hockless or Jevons. Anderson did his best but his natural game is not to create. An impressive debut from Jamie Lawrence, he linked up well with Coldicott in a battling midfield. Antoine-Curier looks even more unlikely to prove useful for Town. A poor attitude and general poor play is not going to help Town.
Man of the Match - Greg Young. The defender was solid before and after his original injury. Covered the more experienced Paul Warhurst on several occasions. His injury looks set to keep him out for the season and he will be missed.