Chesterfield 2 Walsall 2

League 2

Saturday 5 October 2024

spire spiel

The context

Chesterfield once more found themselves League members after four years’ unfortunate exile. John and I wanted to go there again because it had proved good value on previous trips, most recently during this ground’s first season when we attended a particularly boisterous occasion against Port Vale. Saltergate also held happy memories; we were very much hoping for some more today.

The game

Walsall were top while Chesterfield had also started their season well and sat just beneath the playoff places. Hesitant defending saw Walsall go ahead, Jamille Matt setting up Nathan Lowe to finish coolly. The home side levelled before half time; Walsall ‘keeper Tommy Simkin absent-mindedly picked up a David Okagbue back-pass, and Darren Oldaker touched in amidst scenes of confusion following Tom Naylor’s point-blank free kick.      

Lowe was soon at it again. A calmly-placed effort rewarded some delicate approach play from Liam Gordon; Charlie Lakin really should have finished Chesterfield off, but instead chipped over the bar. That miss proved costly as Dilan Markanday underlined his good performance – and Walsall’s failure to clear their lines – by sweeping home another equaliser. It took any remaining sting out of proceedings and both sides seemed content with the draw.

Teams and goals

Chesterfield: Thompson, Gordon, Araujo (Berry-McNally 64), Dunkley, Mandeville (Colclough 63), Oldaker (Metcalfe 64), Taylor, Dobra, Banks, Markanday (Campbell 88), Grigg (Madden 64). Unused subs: Root, Grimes.

Walsall: Simkin, Allen, Williams, Okagbue, Gordon, Lakin (Comley 82), Stirk, earing (Jellis 70), Barrett, Lowe, Myatt (Adomah 82). Unused subs: Daniel, Cleary, Hornby, Johnson.

Goals: Chesterfield: Oldaker 46, Markanday 67. Walsall: Lowe 33, 46.

Attendance: 9035.