In spite of Chesterfield's grit and determination, Dave Bentley's outfit were unable to salvage a point against league leaders Hull City.

After a disappointing performance and result last weekend, the Spireites were looking to bounce back to winning ways. Plans to get the ball rolling again were hampered as Bentley's injury list was added to during the week, as Sam Clare and Chris Tingay joined the already injured Jordan Edridge and Sandy Moller.

Craig Clay was again absent from Bentley's squad due to selection for John Sheridan's side as they travelled to the Pirelli Stadium.

Ryan Granger took the reins of captaincy as Chesterfield named four under 16's on the bench.

As early as one minute into the match and Hull demonstrated just why they are top of the league. An impressive run through the heart of the Chesterfield defence was met by the defiant Scott Webb who stayed strong at his near post.

Jimmy Adcock and Tendayi Darikwa teamed up well with the latter almost opening the scoring after nine minutes. Adcock's through ball teed up Darikwa who drilled a shot across both the goalkeeper and the post and despite Jordan Burrow's best efforts with an attempted slide, the opportunity went begging.

After a brace of free headers off a Tiger corner, the home side failed to capitalise and marginally missed the target.

In wet and increasingly difficult conditions, Chesterfield continued to maintain their focus and Ben Watkis' 25 yard effort almost broke the deadlock. Burrow's persistent forced an error between the Hull players allowing Watkis to let rip from distance as the ball smashed against the woodwork.

The Spireites were almost punished on 26 minutes. Webb was caught short when a failed attempt of ushering the ball out of play backfired. Fortunately for Webb the Hull shot strayed off target.

After a positive period of attacking football, Chesterfield forced the Hull goalkeeper into making a testing save. Adcock's 38th minute scooped shot made sure the Tiger's number one was fully awake as he tracked back to avert the danger.

As it appeared the Blues were heading into the half all level, disaster struck. Shamus Beaglehole's loss of possession resulted in a neat strike on the edge of the Spireite box being converted into Webb's left hand bottom corner.

This downer on what had been a bright start for the Spireites wasn't to affect their game heading into the second period.

However Hull came close to doubling their fortunate lead just eight minutes into the re-start. A long throw in was cleared by the impressive Gerome Palmer, but only as far as an orange shirt who volleyed just over Webb's goal.

Despite Chesterfield trailing the match, they were no way dead and buried and were producing the better of the football.

Palmer continued his fine display and came close to opening his account for the season but fired over at the back post off a well engineered Chesterfield corner.

A goal did finally come Chesterfield's way but didn't stand. It was no more than what the Spireites deserved. Substitute Josh Wright saw his blocked effort slip through the back four leaving Darikwa the chance to slot home from close range, which the forward executed with ease.

Unfortunately the Spireite number nine was ruled to be offside leaving Bentley's youngsters still chasing the match.

Hull had a few chances late on to wrap the match up once and for all, but Webb ensured that the scoreline didn't get blown out of proportion.

The Spireites ended the match in total command, with Hull completely on the back foot. Adcock's volley looked goal bound before hitting team mate Burrow and being knocked out for a goal kick, although Burrow didn't know too much about it.

A gutsy performance was on show throughout the Chesterfield side as the Blues seemed to regain their hunger that was on regular display before Christmas.

This defeat all but ends Chesterfield's chances of winning the league for the second consecutive season, but they will no means let this affect their remaining few matches.

Chesterfield (4-4-2): Webb, Granger, Handbury, Palmer, Needham, Adcock, Smith (Wright 64), Darikwa, Beaglehole (Waddle 77), Watkis, Burrow

Subs Not Used: Dennis, Johnson, West

Spireites reporting team Adam Hulme and Phil Oddy