A second half revival by Chesterfield which saw them score three goals was enough to secure the three points for the Spireites at rain swept Underhill today. Midfielder Nicky Deverdics who had shown in the pre season friendlies that here was a player set to make a significant impact this season was sadly missing from the starting line up as the ex Gretna man was nursing an injury, which regrettably now seems set to keep him out for a month.
Barnet had taken a lead on 18 minutes when a well struck free kick from inside his own half by Ashley Carew, the flight of which was misjudged by the Chesterfield keeper Tommy Lee, drifted into the net. Although there was a hint of good fortune about this goal Carew's use of the ball today, especially his crossing, was something for optimistic Bees fans to conclude that the converted full back might become a creator of opportunities.
Moments before Barnet took the lead a misplaced pass by Neal Bishop set up Chesterfield's Jamie Ward but his effort was well saved by Lee Harrison. Both keepers today made saves that at the respective times kept their sides in the game.
Quality deliveries into the box by Barnet could have seen their lead extended, but Lee was frequently equal to the task.
In the first half the Bees defence had kept the ever alert Jack Lester quiet, but after the break his predatory instincts were allowed to flourish.
Chesterfield upped the ante kicking uphill in the second half and worked hard to put themselves back in the game. Ten minutes into the second period they were level. Lester made space for himself on the edge of the box and drilled his shot into the corner of the net and three minutes later his deft but confident chip from outside the box but the Spireites ahead. Depending on your perspective you will see Lester's brace as the result of lax defending or exquisite finishing.
Albert Adomah with one trade mark glide in from the right flank brought out a fine save from Lee, Bishop and St Aimie had headers go wide, but with just over ten minutes remaining an alarming lapse of concentration in the heart of the Bee's defence allowed Ward to advance goalwards and his finish was clinical.
Barnet kept plugging away but they had presented the visitors with such a goal advantage that the Spireites were content to allow Barnet to play in front of them, nick the ball, and then mount a counter attack.
Post match Bees boss Paul Fairclough thought that Christmas had arrived early for Chesterfield such was his team's generosity in presenting the Spireites with gilt wrapped chances and he hoped that these errors were now out of the system.
He also announced that he was still on the lookout for three players.
The Bees face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carling Cup on Tuesday at the Withdean.
David Bloomfield
