It was a much-improved performance from Graham Allner’s men and after a goalless first period, a second half Damian Spencer brace gave the Robins a two-goal cushion. His first came ten minutes after the break. Richard Forsyth picked up a loose ball in the centre circle and released Martin Devaney on the right wing, Devaney made ground past the full back and delivered an inviting low cross that Spencer hammered home past goalkeeper Andy Richmond, who was deputising for the injured Carl Muggleton.
Spencer was causing problems for the home defence with his power and pace and he added number two after 70 minutes. The former Bristol City hitman shrugged of a challenge, leaving a Chesterfield defender on the ground and finished with a well struck shot from just inside the penalty area.
Allner will be pleased with the performance of Spencer, who looks like he could become a real handful for Division Two defences, but the Cheltenham manager will not be so impressed with his side’s defending of their two goal lead. Two minutes after Spencer’s second goal, Chesterfield hit back with a goal from Shayne Bradley. Marcus Ebdon played the Gloucester born striker in and he slotted a low drive past Steve Book to give his side hope. Just two minutes on and Chesterfield were on level terms, leaving Cheltenham stunned. A corner from the left side caused the Robins defence problems and when they failed to clear their lines, Steve Payne flicked on a cross for Stuart Howson to power a header into the roof of the net.
The Cheltenham defence was at sixes and sevens and at that point and Chesterfield looked the most likely winners. However, after some nervous moments, Cheltenham carved out some chances of their own, with Devaney enjoying the chance to attack on the right wing. Spencer shot high and wide after a fine move, but the game ended with Cheltenham wondering how they managed not to come away with three points.