A mad five minutes, debutants and was Scott Boden unlucky to be sent off? - five big talking points from Chesterfield's defeat to Hartlepool United

‘Mad five minutes’

That’s what Town boss John Pemberton said cost them and he was right. It was a throwback to watching Chesterfield this time last year as they were their own worst enemy. It was such a shame because they gave a good account of themselves in the first half and managed to get in front after the break. Both of Hartlepool’s goals came from crosses down the Spireites’ right and could easily have been avoided. There was no stability in the Blues’ defending during those five minutes as the panic set in. It was a pity because they had actually nullified Hartlepool’s attack well until that point.

Scott Boden’s sees red

From my view in the West Stand it looked like Boden had every right to go for the ball - as did everyone else in the press box - as he and Hartlepool goalkeeper Ben Killip collided. But people watching the match online said it was a clear red card. Perhaps it was a bit of frustration from Boden after Chesterfield had let their slip lead? We will have to see if the club appeals, but it looks like the striker will be missing for the next three games.

What were the positives?

For anyone who only saw the second half - and it sounds like there will be plenty after problems with the streaming service - it probably won’t feel like there are any. But given the pre-season they have had and the lack of games, Chesterfield were the better side in the opening 45 minutes and played with a tempo and energy which I wasn’t sure they had in them at this stage. They looked dangerous from set-pieces and the visitors rarely threatened apart from Nicky Featherstone’s deflected effort. Don’t get me wrong, there were no ‘he has to score that’ type of chances but there were some good moments in the first 45.

How did the debutants do?

A mixed bag really. Goalkeeper Kyle Letheren looked comfortable for the majority of the game but had some shaky moments during the second half. Hartlepool probably should have capitalised on a bit of hesitancy between Letheren and his defence before they got their first goal. Butterfield was fairly quiet, in my opinion. I think the pace of the game caught him out a bit. But we have to remember he is new to this league, is only 22 and needs to get used to his teammates.

No fans

It was a very surreal experience with no supporters in the ground. It was certainly a different way of covering a game for myself with a temperature check on arrival and face mask on in the press box. The Hartlepool players trotted onto the pitch in their bright yellow shirts from the East Stand, while Chesterfield entered the field without any build-up or music. It did not feel like the first game of the season at all. Spectators would be much safer inside a stadium than in a pub or a supermarket. Sort it out!