Chesterfield End Salford City’s Streak With Gritty Win

Salford City’s impressive unbeaten run came to a screeching halt on Tuesday night as Chesterfield snatched a narrow 1-0 victory at the Peninsula Stadium in League Two action. After going ten games without a loss, the Ammies were left stunned under the floodlights, unable to break down a determined Chesterfield side that had been desperate to reverse their own patchy form.

Coming into the match, Salford City were riding high. Not only had they climbed to second place in League Two, but they’d also advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup, with their last defeat coming in a wild 7-2 loss to Rotherham in the Vertu Trophy at the start of December. Since then, the Ammies had looked unstoppable, winning their last outing 1-0 over Bristol Rovers, a game that showcased the talents of new signing Ryan Graydon. Graydon, fresh from Fleetwood Town, had already chalked up three goals and an assist in just three appearances, quickly becoming a fan favorite at the Peninsula Stadium.

Chesterfield, meanwhile, had been struggling for consistency. Their last win before this encounter was a Boxing Day triumph over Notts County. That left them languishing in ninth place, four points outside the playoff spots as of the morning of the match. The Spireites’ form sheet looked grim, but football has a knack for turning the tables when you least expect it.

History, though, was on Chesterfield’s side. Salford City hadn’t managed a win against the Spireites since 2018, losing four and drawing one in their last five clashes. Earlier this season, Chesterfield had bested Salford 2-0 at the SMH Group Stadium, courtesy of an Ollie Turton own goal and a late strike from Ronan Darcy. That result had left Salford in ninth place at the time—how quickly things can change in League Two!

But as the teams lined up for the 7:45pm kickoff, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. A win for Salford would have put them within touching distance—just three points—of league leaders Bromley, who themselves were on a nine-game unbeaten streak, only dropping points in a 0-0 draw with, you guessed it, Chesterfield.

Chesterfield’s attacking hopes rested largely on the shoulders of top scorer Lee Bonis, but it was veteran striker Will Grigg who caught the eye in the starting lineup. At 34, Grigg’s career has seen its share of twists, including a notable decision to turn down a move to Salford back in 2020 when he was still plying his trade at Sunderland. This time, he was leading the line for the Spireites, hoping to help them snap their winless streak.

From the opening whistle, the match had all the hallmarks of a classic lower-league battle—gritty, tense, and fiercely contested. Salford, buoyed by their recent success, pushed forward in search of an early breakthrough. Graydon, the man in form, looked lively on the wing, probing the Chesterfield defense and linking up well with his teammates. The home crowd, sensing a chance to close the gap at the top, were in full voice.

But Chesterfield were in no mood to roll over. Their back line, marshaled with discipline and determination, repelled wave after wave of Salford pressure. Lee Bonis, ever the threat, kept the Salford defenders honest with his movement, while Grigg’s experience showed as he held up the ball and brought others into play.

As the first half wore on, Salford created the better chances but just couldn’t find the finishing touch. A couple of dangerous corners had the Chesterfield fans holding their breath, but the visitors held firm. On the other end, Chesterfield’s forays forward were limited, but they looked dangerous on the break, with Bonis forcing a smart save from the Salford keeper midway through the half.

After the break, the tension ratcheted up another notch. Salford poured men forward, desperate to maintain their unbeaten streak and keep the pressure on Bromley at the summit. But football can be cruel. Against the run of play, Chesterfield found their moment.

The breakthrough came in the second half, as Chesterfield capitalized on a rare defensive lapse from Salford. A swift counterattack saw the ball played into the box, and with the Salford defense scrambling, Chesterfield’s persistence paid off. The away end erupted as the Spireites took a shock lead—1-0, and suddenly the script was flipped.

Salford responded with urgency, throwing everything at the Chesterfield goal in a frantic search for an equalizer. Graydon nearly added to his burgeoning tally, forcing a diving save with a curling effort from just outside the box. The Ammies peppered the Chesterfield goal with shots, but the visitors’ defense held firm, blocking and clearing with a determination that belied their recent struggles.

As the minutes ticked away, Salford fans grew increasingly anxious. Every attack was met with a wall of blue shirts, and Chesterfield’s goalkeeper commanded his area with authority. The Ammies’ frustration was plain to see, with tempers flaring and tackles flying in as the clock wound down.

Chesterfield, for their part, managed the game expertly in the dying moments. Grigg used all his experience to hold up play and win crucial free kicks, relieving the pressure on his defense. The Spireites’ bench urged their team on, knowing just how vital three points would be in reigniting their playoff hopes.

The final whistle brought scenes of jubilation from the Chesterfield players and traveling supporters. For Salford, it was a bitter pill to swallow—their unbeaten run, which had carried them to the upper echelons of League Two, was over. The Ammies will now need to regroup quickly as they look to bounce back and keep their promotion push on track.

Chesterfield’s victory not only ended their winless streak but also breathed new life into their playoff ambitions. With Lee Bonis and Will Grigg leading the line, and a defense that proved its mettle on the night, the Spireites showed they can mix it with the league’s best when it matters most.

For Salford City, the challenge is clear: dust themselves off, learn from the defeat, and rediscover the form that made them the talk of League Two in recent weeks. With plenty of games left to play, the race for promotion is far from over—and if this match proved anything, it’s that in League Two, anything can happen on a Tuesday night.