Strange atmosphere, Jamie Sharman and what now? - eight talking points from Chesterfield's draw at Dover Athletic

Chesterfield had to settle for a draw after conceding a late equaliser against Dover Athletic on Saturday.
By Liam Norcliffe
Published 15th Mar 2020, 11:22 BST
Updated 15th Mar 2020, 12:11 BST
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Tom Denton gave the Spireites the lead from the penalty spot after 80 minutes but Nassim L’Ghoul came off the bench to equalise nine minutes later.

Here are eight talking points from the match:

Pre-match uncertainty

Friday was dominated by the coronavirus outbreak and whether the weekend’s National League games would go ahead. To overcome that uncertainty and put in a solid performance and come away with a point is a credit to everyone.

Strange atmosphere

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It had an end of season/pre-season friendly feel about it at times. It was pretty uneventful for large parts which did not help the atmosphere but you have to think events leading up to the match had an effect. It was almost like a behind closed doors game as you could hear both sets of players talking on the pitch.

Top travelling support

Tom Denton celebrates with his teammates in front of the Chesterfield fans after scoring his penalty. He's scored four goals in his last five games.Tom Denton celebrates with his teammates in front of the Chesterfield fans after scoring his penalty. He's scored four goals in his last five games.
Tom Denton celebrates with his teammates in front of the Chesterfield fans after scoring his penalty. He's scored four goals in his last five games.

Given the doubts about whether the game would go ahead the Spireites were backed by a brilliant turnout of 161 fans at the Crabble Stadium. Pemberton said the away following “blew him away” when he saw how many had made the 460-mile round trip.

What now?

The National League is due to hold a meeting on Monday and it seems likely that they will follow the Premier League and EFL in postponing the season until at least April 3 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Self-isolating

The Spireites players have been told to stay away from the club until at least Thursday while the situation becomes clearer.

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Defender Haydn Hollis missed out through illness (respiratory problems) but it is not known yet whether it is coronavirus.

Tom Denton

Four goals in five games for the striker. On fire.

Jamie Sharman

The 19-year-old defender came in for the ill Hollis and was a rock. He was strong in the air and calm in possession. He was our Man of the Match and Pemberton said he was “excellent.”

Switching off

One lapse in concentration cost Chesterfield the win which will be the biggest disappointment of the 90 minutes. They got away with it against Chorley last weekend but not this time.

Related topics:National LeagueChesterfieldSpireites