Brandon Cooper scored a stoppage-time own goal as Chesterfield ended Salford’s 10-game unbeaten run with a battling 1-0 win.
Cooper diverted a teasing cross from Sam Curtis into his own net in the third minute of added time as the Spireites ended their five-match winless run in League Two.
Chesterfield began the game brightly and created the first opening when winger Dylan Duffy glanced Dilan Markanday’s cross wide.
In a low-key first half, Chesterfield goalkeeper Zachary Hemming made a superb reflex save to keep out a powerful header from Ollie Turton after 30 minutes.
Kallum Cesay blazed over from the edge of the box as Salford began the second half with improved intent.
Ryan Graydon missed a golden chance to give the hosts the lead after 57 minutes when he fired against the angle of the crossbar from five yards out with the goal at his mercy.
The Irish striker struck wide on the turn before Chesterfield substitute Liam Mandeville fired over the bar from distance as both sides exchanged chances.
With the game seemingly petering out, Paul Cook’s men snatched victory as Cooper got the final touch on Curtis’ cross to end Salford’s impressive unbeaten run in all competitions.
