Away again, but this time for the local derby near the peaks in Chesterfield. A strong challenge from Westcarr saw Lee Hughes with the first attempt of the game in front of the home end. Minutes later Chesterfield's McDermott hammers one into the box but the resulting shot is blocked.
New signing Johnnie Jackson, playing in number 23, shows keen up the left side, but Chesterfield's active McDermott is making work for him. Several attacks from the home side end with a wasted corner that came from the gloves of Hoult.
Ten minutes of end-to-end action started to settle down with play mainly in the midfield, but a break from Chesterfield saw the pressure back on with consecutive corners, eventually ended when Hunt smashed it down the field.
Nearly twenty minutes in and play remained strangled, Hunt again needed a big clearance and Derek Niven put a hard strike on target but straight at Hoult.
Lee Hughes and Phil Picken's physical struggle in the 22nd ended with a free kick given to the home side, but again the resulting play merely ended in a strike directly at Hoult. As expected though, Chesterfield were putting together a solid resistance.
A long ball to Rodgers led to Ben Davies' attempt deflecting back out off the Spireites' defence, landing for new signing Jackson, whose shot was also blocked out. Shortly after, Jackson's through-ball to Hughes required Page to close down yet again for Chesterfield. Both teams getting play to the other end, but unable to break the back four.
Talbot's flicked-on shot came close on 37 minutes, bouncing badly in front of Hoult, but taken by the keeper all the same.
Good ball through from Niven gave Jack Lester a fine chance for Chesterfield, narrowly missing and tucked into the side netting. Half time looming and neither side had opened. Ravenhill was booked for a heavy challenge and although Rob Page's free kick led to some good play from the home side, it was soon cleared out and play returned to the midfield.
As the half faded, Jack Lester attracted the anger of the 2,000 Notts fans; as sceptical observers might have claimed that he dived (to some extent) 15 yards out. His set pass to Talbot resulted in another obstructed shot. Minutes later Maloney did well to close down the agile Lester as he threatened down Notts right side.
A tightly fought half ended with the booking of Talbot for pulling Davies back by his shirt.
Half Time.
An early threat in the second with a freekick on the edge of county's box, McDermott's strike leaving the Notts wall in no doubt that it made contact.
Hoult's speed off the line allowed him to just close down Jack Lester's attack on the six yard box. The first ten minutes saw relentless pressure from Chesterfield. Karl Hawley was brought on for Luke Rodgers.
Solid contact with Mike Edwards on fifteen minutes saw a drop-ball restart, after which County were back on the attack ending with a shot on the turn from Hughes heading over.
Twenty minutes in and play had sped up. A freekick given against Lester for a late challenge on Westcarr (which saw Lester booked), led to a bought of pressure from County. Davies fed in balls from both corners and the game had been brought back to life.
Penalty for Chesterfield - 76 minutes gone, for a challenge on Lester by John Thompson. Lowry stepped up and put it deep in the bottom corner, Hoult went the right way but even his six foot four frame wasn't going to reach.
The flag went for Hughes as he was through into the box. Disaster on the 79th as another penalty was awarded and sealed by Lowry for Chesterfield. Hunt's challenge on Talbot leaving the ref's arm pointing at the spot.
Edwards converted Davies' freekick on 83 minutes and Notts were back in the game. Jordan Bowery came on for Talbot and play remained frantic, with Maloney making ground in their box but not able to seal an equalizer.
Donal McDermott left the field to much Chesterfield support; he was replaced by Robertson with two minutes of time to play.
Ben Davies was brought down just outside their box in the first minute of four to be added. Clapham stepped up next to him for the kick but Davies was the taker; so close but just down the right side of the post.
Final Whistle. Chesterfield had looked strong all game, but nobody wanted to see the game decided by two penalties given in as many minutes. Hopes now turn to Saturday's game against Dagenham.
Full Time: Chesterfield FC 2-1 Notts County
Chesterfield FC: Lee, Picken, Page, Breckin (C), Lowry, Allott, Niven, McDermott (Robertson 88), Austin, Talbot (Bowery 83), Lester
Subs Not Used: Crossley, Currie, Gritton, Gray, Harsley
Booked: Talbot (25), Lester (67)
Sent Off: None
Goals: Lester (31 Pen, 34 Pen)
Notts County: Hoult, Moloney, Edwards, Thompson (C), Ravenhill, Hughes, Davies, Hunt, Rodgers (Hawley 11), Westcarr (Clapham 80), Jackson
Subs Not Used: Hamshaw, Pilkington, Canham, Fairclough, Facey
Booked: Ravenhill (39)
Sent Off: None
Goals: Edwards (83)
Match Referee:Mr M Haywood Attendance: 6196
