League Two leaders, Bromley were held to a goalless draw at fellow promotion challengers, Chesterfield.
In a competitively goalless contest at SMH Group Stadium, Bromley’s Mitch Pinnock produced the best chance with a 17th-minute left-footed volley which forced a classy save from Chesterfield’s Zach Hemming.
Hemming then saved a 89th-minute penalty from Nicke Kabamba after the striker had been fouled by Dylan Duffy.
Chesterfield remain seventh on goal difference behind Cambridge and MK Dons, whilst Bromley moved six points clear of Swindon at the summit.
With 11 points having separated Chesterfield and Bromley at kick-off as both clubs harboured promotion ambitions, the start was unsurprisingly cagey but energetic as Corey Whitely nearly put the visitors ahead with a sixth-minute strike which was blocked.
Chesterfield’s James Berry was subsequently fouled on a quick counter-attack from which Adam Lewis’ volley from an initially blocked free-kick was met by Liam Mandeville, whose cutback pass was put behind.
Bromley however soon got on top as Deji Elerewe headed over from a 15th-minute set piece, before Pinnock forced a superb save from Chesterfield’s Zach Hemming two minutes later to block his left-footed volley towards the top-right corner.
Jude Arthurs and Omar Sowunmi subsequently headed wide for Bromley either side of Lee Bonis’ wide strike for the Spireites, as the game became a see-saw battle for the remainder of the first half in which Arthurs put another header wide just minutes before the break from Pinnock’s cross.
Chesterfield however began the second half the stronger aside from Bromley’s Ben Krauhaus’ early shot being blocked, as Sam Curtis saw a 52nd-minute shot blocked before Mandeville fired wide seconds later.
Berry fired a 63rd-minute shot wide for Paul Cook’s Spireites before Bromley nearly turned the tide in their favour but Deji Elerewe put a header wide, before Pinnock forced a 69th-minute save by Hemming with another shot towards the right corner.
Chesterfield substitute, Freddie Ladapo wasted two chances in quick succession in the 72nd minute as his first shot was saved by Grant Smith, before his second effort found the crossbar.
Bromley almost snatched victory after substitute, Kabamba drew a foul from Dylan Duffy, but his subsequent 89th-minute penalty towards the bottom right corner was saved by Hemming.
Both teams eventually settled for a point to boost their respective promotion ambitions as Bromley missed out on an eighth consecutive victory.
What’s Next?
Chesterfield face a tough trip to relegation battling Newport on Saturday 24 January at 3pm GMT in their next league outing, before they visit Salford on 27 January (7:45pm).
Bromley meanwhile host Swindon in a blockbuster top of the table clash at the same time on that date, in the first of a double-header at Copperjax Stadium, as the Ravens then face Crewe Alexandra on 27 January (7:45pm).
Teams
Chesterfield: Zach Hemming, Sam Curtis (Daley-Campbell 82′), Kyle McFadzean, Sil Swinkels, Adam Lewis (Pearce 66′), Sammy Braybrooke, Ryan Stirk, Liam Mandeville, Will Dickinson (Duffy 72′), James Berry (Ladapo 66′), Lee Bonis (Grigg 71′)
Substitutes: Vontae Daley-Campbell, Dylan Duffy, John Fleck, Will Grigg, Freddie Ladapo, Tom Naylor, Tom Pearce
Bromley: Grant Smith, Marcus Ifill, Omar Sowunmi, Deji Elerewe, Idris Odutayo, Ashley Charles, Corey Whitely (Ilunga 76′), Ben Krauhaus (Hondermarck 64′), Jude Arthurs (Thompson 77′), Mitch Pinnock, Michael Cheek (Kabamba 76′)
Substitutes: Sam Long, Kyle Cameron, Ben Thompson, Nicke Kabamba, Will Hondermarck, Lakyle Samuel, Brooklyn Ilunga
Referee – Alex Chilowicz
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