Column: 2016/17 Chesterfield are the too little, too late show

It had all the hallmarks of a Spireites side who so many times have contrived to drop points in calamitous style from decent positions.

There was something ironic about the fact that they scored three, having struggled to hit the net all winter, only to concede three as well.

To perform so well going forward and yet to perform so poorly defensively, will have been gut wrenching.

They just don’t seem to be able to attack well and defend well for 90 minutes.

There were positives, that’s why no boos greeted the final whistle, as they have so many times this season.

A game that ends 3-3 at least provides entertainment and the sight of players in blue creating chances and actually shooting at goal makes the result more palatable than say a 0-0 with MK Dons.

But a point in any game when you’re heading for the trap door is too little, too late.

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake was my Man of the Match for leading the line, keeping possession masterfully, scoring a nice goal and setting one up.

The striker showed every ounce of his experience, barking orders to Town’s wet-behind-the-ears kids.

But it’s too little, far too late.

How Chesterfield could have used this version of SEB when they twice went five games without scoring a single goal earlier in the season.

Showing hunger and desire when there are contracts to be won is all well and good, but it’s a nine-month season.

Sacking Danny Wilson and bringing in Gary Caldwell in January also appears to have been too little, too late.

They were already in the relegation zone, albeit not so entrenched.

He inherited a squad that, according to the table, aren’t good enough for Leauge One.

His January recruitment, viewed six weeks on, looks too little, too late.

Chesterfield needed experience and creativity, but they needed it much earlier than the campaign’s midpoint.

Ashley Carson’s attempts to keep supporters in the loop with regular news updates have pleased many – others think it’s too little, too late for this regime to win back their trust.

But it’s not all doom and gloom.

Dion Donohue is a quality prospect, Jon Nolan still looks like a gem of a find and Kristian Dennis’ goals, attitude and work ethic could cement him as a fan favourite.

They’ll all be even better next season, but sadly, they’ll be League Two players.