Cheltenham Town introduced new manager Bobby Gould to the crowd before the game but even the arrival of the new man could not inspire the Robins to a much-needed win.
Town created the better chances in a poor game but were let down by some weak finishing and held at bay by a stubborn Chesterfield defence, which adapted well to the loss of both central defenders to injury.
The home side should have taken the lead after six minutes when visiting defender Rob Edwards lost the ball and Martin Devaney, the most lively attacking player on the field, crossed for Julian Alsop at the far post.
The giant striker arrived at the far post with an open goal four yards out but his shot hit the post.
Midway through the first half it was Chesterfield's turn to strike the woodwork when Andy Rushbury sent Glynn Hurst away but his lob also hit the post.
There was a lengthy stoppage when Chesterfield defender Steve Blatherwick went down with an injury, which required a visit to hospital for a suspected broken nose, then in the second half Steve Payne was also carried off. His place in the heart of defence was taken by veteran striker David Reeves.
Scoring chances remained thin on the ground until the 90th minute when Devaney produced a delightful turn and shot from 35 yards. The ball appeared to be dipping under the crossbar but on-loan goalkeeper Ben Williams flew to make an acrobatic save.
"We are trying to build a foundation and I think we did that by keeping a clean sheet," said Gould.
"But we didn't get the ball into the right areas at the right times and we didn't really create any clear cut chances." Chesterfield boss Dave Rushbury said: "When you lose two centre halves to injury you think the Gods are against you but we did very well.
"We knew what Cheltenham would be doing with their height advantage and small, narrow pitch but our cohesion was excellent and the players really used their heads out there."