City remain firmly embroiled in the survival dogfight after defeat to leaders Chesterfield tonight.

Chesterfield went ahead after 16 minutes with a well-worked goal.

Kieran Djilali's angled pass split the defence and Deane Smalley was in behind Luke O'Brien to fire into the roof of the net.

Kevin Ellison clipped the top of the bar with a left-wing cross but it was a rare bright moment for City.

And they needed a good save from Lenny Pidgeley to deny the unmarked Djalili making it two before the break.

Jake Speight replaced Scott Dobie for the second half and City did lift their play.

James Hanson, back quicker than expected from injury, was also thrown on and set up City's best chance of an equaliser. His flick on was headed goalwards by Tom Adeyemi but Keighley-born keeper Tommy Lee clung on.

City upped the tempo in the closing stages but could find no way back again.

Saturday's home clash with Stockport has grown even more significant.