Chesterfield were held to a 0-0 draw by a stubborn Harrogate side as the Spireites lost ground in the League Two playoff race.
Devoid of goals maybe, but certainly not devoid of action, despite heavy rain playing a key factor this afternoon at the SMH Group Stadium.
It sees Simon Weaver extended his unbeaten run against the hosts, as the EFL’s longest-serving manager has never lost against Chesterfield.
The home side had the first of many chances in the 90, when Armando Dobra’s curling effort was headed behind by Anthony O’Connor.
Harrogate, who were ten points above the drop zone before the encounter forced a good save out of Ryan Boot, who was described as “highly important” by Assistant Manager Danny Webb, when Bryn Morris’ free-kick was whipped over the on-facing wall.
In the 42nd minute, Aribim Pepple chased down a loose ball, before he spun O’Connor and drove towards goal despite slipping in the process. However, the Canadian’s pass failed to find the marauding run of Ollie Banks.
The two teams headed into the interval drenched from the heavy rain, but their spirits were not dampened with plenty on the line for both sides.
Morris forced another save from Boot as the former Newport County player curled an effort onto the outstretched glove of the goalkeeper in the 64th minute from another set-piece.
Three minutes later, Pepple was replaced by veteran striker Will Grigg; with the introduction of the former Northern Ireland international sparking chants of “Will Grigg’s on fire” as he entered the fray.
Dobra forced a fine save out of James Belshaw in the 74th minute, as his curled effort was tipped behind for a Chesterfield corner, a common occurrence this afternoon.
The Spireites continued ramping up the pressure on Harrogate as Grigg failed to connect with Olakigbe’s driven cross.
Chesterfield are the second top-scorers in League Two, but could not find a way past Belshaw who made another reflex save, this time to deny Jamie Grimes.
Given the conditions, fine displays from both sets of Keepers saw both sides leave with a point.
At full time, Webb described Manager Paul Cook as not overly pleased and that he let his players know they were poor on the second ball following the goalless affair; before going on to say: “I would be lying if I said it didn’t feel like a bit of a wasted opportunity.”
