Match Report: Bolton Wanderers 0-0 Chesterfield

Bolton Wanderers failed to make it six wins in a row, drawing 0-0 against relegation candidates Chesterfield.

Heading into the game, Phil Parkinson made four changes from the side that beat Shrewsbury Town 2-0 last Saturday. Three of the changes were forced ones, as Chris Long, Dean Moxey and Mark Howard were brought in to replace the injured Gary Madine, Andrew Taylor and Ben Alnwick. Jay Spearing was recalled the starting line-up in place of Derik Osede.

Backed by a crowd of over 23,000, Wanderers started the game on the back foot. The Spireites were in no mood to be pushovers, with Jon Nolan forcing a smart save out of Mark Howard early on.

Wanderers' got their first real chance just after fifteen minutes into the game. Dean Moxey had a shot blocked, before Filipe Morais' chip across the box just cleared the bar. Plenty of the fans around me in the North Upper thought it had gone in.

Dan Gardner then went close to scoring for Chesterfield moments after. Luckily, Howard was on good form, diving low to keep the effort out.

In a game devoid of real quality, Wanderers were nearly ahead forty minutes into the game in spectacular fashion. David Wheater's flick found Adam Le Fondre, but his overhead kick flashed past the post.

Just before half time, Mark Howard almost gifted Chesterfield the lead. Dan Gardner's drive was spilled by Howard, but the goalkeeper somehow managed to get the faintest of touches on the rebound from Kristian Dennis.

At the start of the second half, Jay Spearing had a chance to give Wanderers the lead, but his volley cleared the bar.

Ten minutes into the second half, Wanderers were almost ahead. Adam Le Fondre's header was volleyed in superb style towards goal by Darren Pratley. Unfortunately, Chesterfield goalkeeper Thomas Stuckmann was on hand to keep the ball out.

In an effort to get the winning goal, Phil Parkinson brought on Max Clayton for Chris Long on the hour mark.

Chances were few and far between in the game, with both Dean Moxey and Adam Le Fondre firing over the bar with long range shots.

With ten minutes to go, Dean Moxey departed to be replaced by James Henry.

The game burst into life during the five minutes of added time. Firstly, there was a melee inside the box as shots from Adam Le Fondre, David Wheater and Filipe Morais were all blocked on the line.

Then, Spireite midfielder Jon Nolan was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Sadly, there wasn't enough time for Wanderers to take advantage of the extra man, and the game would end 0-0. A determined point for the travelling Chesterfield, whilst it was certainly two points dropped for the Whites.

Luckily, with Fleetwood losing at home to Swindon, the gap between second and third increased to seven points.

With the point, Wanderers extend their unbeaten run to eight games, and will hope to make it nine when they travel to face Phil Brown's Southend United on Tuesday night.