Dale and Spireites share spoils

Rochdale held League Two promotion contenders Chesterfield to a 2-2 draw in a thrilling encounter at Spotland.

The visitors, boasting two wins from their opening two league games, started brightly, Gary Roberts testing Josh Lillis with an early drive towards the near post before teeing up Marc Richards for the opening goal in the 20th minute. The striker got ahead of his marker to meet Roberts' cross and nod a header home from 10 yards. The home side levelled in dramatic fashion on the half-hour. Referee Andy Haines awarded a spot-kick when Michael Rose was brought down by Sam Morsy but George Donnelly's effort struck a post and rebounded out of the area. However, Dale worked the ball back into the box where Scott Hogan was brought down by keeper Tommy Lee and referee Haines awarded a second penalty. This time Andrew Tutte stepped forward and converted. Though Richards saw a shot saved by Lillis before the break, it was Rochdale who finished the half the strongest and Peter Vincenti tested Lee with a fierce drive before sending a looping header against the crossbar. The hosts then started the second half in the ascendency, Hogan beating Drew Talbot and slotting home his second goal of the campaign after 51 minutes. The Spireites then made it 2-2 after 65 minutes when Jimmy Ryan lofted a pass over the Dale defence for Roberts to coolly lift the ball over the advancing Lillis.