Dover Athletic boss says they were denied penalty in Chesterfield draw

In the first-half Henry Woods’ fierce drive from distance was blocked in the box by Spireites midfielder Jak McCourt. The hosts claimed it was handball but referee Robert Whitton waved away the appeals.

Hessenthaler said: "I think it is a penalty. It is a great strike. I think he (McCourt) has been clever. The referee has missed it and that is where you need the little things to go for you.”

The Whites were the better side in the opening 45 and they tested Blues goalkeeper Scott Loach twice in a minute, one from distance and another from a cross.

Chesterfield created the better chances through Kabongo Tshimanga and Liam Mandeville but it would have been harsh on the Whites had the visitors stolen the three points.

“It was a wonderful performance, I am absolutely delighted with the boys,” Hessenthaler said.

"There is a tinge of frustration that we have not won the game.

"We have gone toe-to-toe with one of the favourites, if not the favourites, in the division and to a man I thought we were excellent.

"We get two nights a week of training and we worked on how we were going to play against Chesterfield, and we got it right.

"I thought we made it very difficult for them and I can’t ask for any more from the boys.

"Our general play was good, especially in the first-half. In the second-half we perhaps became a bit desperate and went a bit long but it was a fantastic performance.”