Gould made a number of changes to the side that lost narrowly at Cardiff last week. Mike Duff returned from suspension, replacing younger brother Shane alongside Captain John Brough. Lee Williams was dropped to the bench and Paul Brayson was brought in on the right side of midfield. Hugh McAuley replaced the injured Mark Yates in the centre. Russell Milton moved out to the left and Martin Devaney partnered Julian Alsop in attack.
It was Devaney who carved out the first clear cut opportunity for Cheltenham. The in-form youngster chased a lost cause on the right wing and managed to cross to John Finnigan. Finnigan’s miskick zipped across the area to Julian Alsop, who lunged in and smashed a shot against the post.
The Spireites hit the post themselves after indecision between Book and Duff let in Hurst, who lobbed against the woodwork and spare Cheltenham’s blushes.
Chesterfield’s Steve Blatherwick was carried off on a stretcher after a nasty clash with Alsop. Cheltenham were the better side for the remainder of the half, but chances were few and far between in what was a scrappy affair.
The second period saw both sides struggle to take control of the game and Cheltenham’s best two chances fell to Devaney. McAuley’s floated free-kick was met firmly by Alsop, who headed across goal towards Devaney. Devaney guided his header wide when he would have expected to at least find the target. Devanay almost made up for his miss with a shot from long range that was spectacularly tipped over the bar by keeper Ben Williams.
Tony Naylor was thrown into the action, replacing Paul Brayson, but Cheltenham had to settle for a draw. It was a solid defensive display, with John Brough maintaining his excellent form. Gould will perhaps feel that his new side should have taken one of their chances, but it has given him something to build on as Cheltenham embark on a vital period.