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Smith grabs a brace in 2-1 win at Quakers

Posted on: Sat 14 Mar 2009

Darlington 1 Chesterfield 2

Adam Smith was on target for the Spireites, as a brace of goals from the powerful striker saw Chesterfield beat League leaders Darlington in terrible gale forced conditions.

Chesterfield made the long journey north to face the Quakers, a team they had already lost to twice this season, and were welcomed by some extreme northern weather.

Dave Bentley's side knew they had to come away with all three points if they were to push for that possible League title come May.

Chesterfield made just one change to the starting eleven that gained such a crucial point against Grimsby last weekend, with Matt Malak picking up his usual role in goal.

The Spireites got off to a good start and came close to opening the scoring, when Jordan Bowery's left footed cross was meet by strike partner Adam Smith, but the Chesterfield number seven couldn't direct his effort on target.

With the conditions playing a major factor on the game, both teams struggled to play the football they are both capable of playing.

The visitors finally found a way through the Darlington defence and took the lead in the 39th minute through forward A Smith.

Jimmy Adcock's hard work on the left, which saw him pull the ball back and pick out A Smith, whose header beat the Quakers number one.

Chesterfield went in at the break one nil up but knew another goal was needed if they were to come away with all three points.

With Darlington having the wind behind them second half, play was always going to be difficult for the Spireites but that didn't seem to matter as Chesterfield increased their lead in the 68th minute.

Again Adcock was causing problems down the left hand side and again picked out A Smith, whose 18 yard side footed shot went past the goalkeeper with ease.

The two goal cushion was short lived as Darlington pulled a goal back when a cross from the left wasn't defended well by the Spireites.

The cross eventually found its way to a Darlo player who volleyed the ball past Malak.

Dave Bentley made two changes immediately after the goal to try and keep the win in sight, with Malak making way because of a knock picked up in the first half.

A superb victory for Chesterfield which now sees them just two points behind leaders Darlington, with three games in hand.

Chesterfield (4-4-2): Malak (Webb 70), Granger, Holmes, Burns, Clare, Clay, S Smith (Watkis 70), Adcock, Darikwa (Tingay 45), A Smith, Bowery
Subs Not Used: Needham
Goals: A Smith 39, 68