James Ryan rescued a point for Accrington to cancel out Jack Lester's opener in a 1-1 draw at Chesterfield.

Ryan comes to visitors' rescue

James Ryan rescued a point for Accrington with a late strike to cancel out Jack Lester's first-half opener in a 1-1 draw at Chesterfield. Accrington had conceded just one goal in their previous four games, but were trailing after Lester pounced from a corner. The visitors' defence should have cleared the ball, but Kevin Austin hooked it back across goal and Lester netted his eighth of the season from close range. Chesterfield were comfortable for the rest of the first half, but Accrington threatened after the interval with Paul Mullin and Terry Gornell both going close. But the home side were dangerous on the break and Jamie Ward fired just wide before Lester was foiled by goalkeeper Kenny Arthur. Stanley had appeals for a penalty turned before Ryan equalised five minutes from time with a low drive from a John Miles cross.