The early the promise followed by the injury to Joel Randall, the gift of a goal to Cuban veteran Onel Hernandez and then the slide into mediocrity in the second half made for a poor afternoon in Staffordshire.
The fact that Vale, like Crawley before them, are a team with limited attacking weapons only added to the feeling of an opportunity missed.
The four points lets slip in those two matches mean Chesterfield are a (still creditable) seventh instead of fourth.
A Tuesday game is needed and the Spireites will get it when Colchester United roll into town.
In the meantime here’s our ratings from Saturday.
1. Ryan Boot 6
Ryan Boot 6: Question mark over the stopper for the only goal and wasn't unduly tested by an otherwise blunt home attack. Vale had only three shots on target. Photo: Brian Eyre
2. Remeao Hutton 6
Remeao Hutton 6: Played his part in Chesterfield's bright start but faded after that and Vale didn't allow him the space that other opponents have. One of his quieter matches. Photo: Tina Jenner
3. Kyle McFadzean 7
Kyle McFadzean 7: Solid an composed and showed his experience in one or two tricky situations. The pick of the back four. Photo: Tina Jenner
4. Jack Simpson 5
Jack Simpson 5: Dealt with most that was thrown at him. A shame he erred by letting Onel Hernandez get in between him and Ryan Boot to prod in the winner. The centre-back's starting place will be one of those under scrutiny. Photo: Tina Jenner