Lee Novak strikes to earn Chesterfield a win at Southend
Lee Novak's last-minute winner secured Chesterfield a 1-0 victory at Southend.
The striker's cool, late finish sent Danny Wilson's side six points clear of the relegation zone.
And the effort also sent play-off pushing Southend down to 10th.
The Shrimpers, who have triumphed just once in their last six games, wasted a great early chance to score when Ben Coker's left wing cross picked out David Worrall.
However, the recalled winger sent his close-range header against the inside of the right post before firing the rebound straight at Chesterfield goalkeeper Tommy Lee.
The Spireites hit back with Ollie Banks having a curling effort pushed to safety by Bentley before Southend wasted another clear-cut chance to score when Tyrone Barnett headed Jack Payne's left-wing cross straight at Lee.
Southend were also frustrated not to have been awarded a late penalty when substitute David Mooney went to ground while under pressure from Sam Hird.
But Chesterfield made the most of the let-offs right at the death when Banks teed up Novak to fire home with a neatly-controlled finish.
Source: PA
