Chesterfield were left frustrated after a late equaliser from Colchester United saw them drop two points at the Proact Stadium. The 1-1 draw on Tuesday means the Spireites stay ninth in the League Two standings, with 16 points from their opening 12 games.
Dilan Markanday gave the hosts a deserved lead in the 29th minute, finishing off a move involving Ryan Stirk. Chesterfield controlled the first half, creating several clear opportunities but failing to extend their advantage. That profligacy was punished eight minutes from time when Ben Perry fired in Colchester's leveller. The visitors could even have snatched a win in stoppage time when Leon Chiwome's effort struck the crossbar.
Manager Paul Cook did not hide his disappointment after the final whistle. "I am as frustrated as the fans are," he said. Cook pointed to the number of chances his team created while in the ascendancy, admitting the failure to convert them proved costly. The result extends a patchy run of form for Chesterfield, whose recent sequence reads one win, two draws and two losses.
Defensive solidity was also an issue with veteran centre-half Kyle McFadzean missing the game due to a calf issue. Markanday himself played through a minor knee knock before being substituted, though the issue is not thought to be serious. The dropped points are a recurring theme this season, with the team having let several winning positions slip. Cook lamented the team's inability to see games out, stating they have now dropped points from winning positions in four of their last six home matches.
They now face a quick turnaround and a stern test, hosting third-placed Crewe Alexandra in their next fixture on Saturday. With just one win in their last five league outings, converting dominance into victories has become an urgent priority for Cook's side as they look to close a nine-point gap to the automatic promotion places. The manager confirmed he will assess the fitness of McFadzean and Markanday ahead of the weekend's key match.
This story first appeared at derbyshiretimes.co.uk
