Spireites held by Cobblers
Chesterfield endured a night of frustration as they were held to a goalless home draw at by bottom-of-the-table Northampton, who earned a rare away point.
The Cobblers have lost eight times on their travels in League Two but they defended resolutely and limited the promotion-chasing Spireites, who came into this game with straight wins under their belts, to few chances.
Armand Gnanduillet headed over for Paul Cook's team and Kane Ferdinand also headed wide for the visitors in a poor first half and the quality did not improve after the break, although substitute Marc Richards was only inches away from connecting with a Gary Roberts cross on the hour mark.
Richards lobbed tamely into the arms of Matt Duke in the 68th minute and Jimmy Ryan made a surging run from midfield but shot straight at the goalkeeper from the edge of the area.
A rare Northampton attack ended with Joe Widdowson shooting into the side-netting in the 78th minute but the visitors worked hard and deserved to leave the Proact Stadium with a point after a performance that should boost their fight to stay in the Football League.
Source: PA
