Weymouth manager Brian Stock expects play-off push from Chesterfield after Spireites win in Dorset

Town came from one down to win with goals from debutant Akwasi Asante and Tom Denton sealing all three points.

“When you look at a Chesterfield side with a full-time set-up and the budget they have got at their disposal, we have given them a good game and I said it earlier on in the week, don’t be fooled by their league position because I fully expect them to pushing for the top six by the end of the season,” Stock told BBC Radio Solent.

“Obviously I am disappointed to lose the game. I have got to give full credit to the boys for their efforts. I thought every single player gave it everything they had. Considering how long they have been out for, that is our first game in four weeks, I am not one for excuses but they have left everything out on that pitch.”

The hosts took the lead five minutes before half-time after the Spireites had dominated the opening 35 minutes and Stock admitted they ‘rode their luck’.

Weymouth’s Sean Shields let fly from distance for the opener but Asante equalised before the break and Denton headed the winner on the hour.

On Shields’ goal, Stock said: “It was a fantastic strike and we sort of almost had the upper hand. We didn’t realise capitalise on one or two other chances. Don’t get me wrong, we rode our luck, Gerard (Benfield) made some great saves in the first half.

“The message at half-time was to try and stay compact and try and deal with their direct play but unfortunately we didn't stop the cross on both occasions and when you are conceding crosses in and around those areas with Denton in the box, you are asking for trouble.”

Stock gave full credit to Chesterfield for their well-worked second goal, adding: “The goal comes from not pressing the cross and it is a fantastic delivery and a fantastic header and sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and say it was well played on their part.”