Huge win for Latics

GOAL . . . Peter Clarke

CHESTERFIELD 0, ATHLETIC 1

PETER Clarke powered in a 90th-minute header to earn 10-man Athletic a vital three points in the battle against relegation.

Playing the whole of the second half with 10 men after the bizarre half-time sending-off of Anthony Gerrard, debutant Aiden O'Neill hung up a cross to the far post that the skipper converted to cause jubilant scenes among the travelling support.

Already on a yellow card, experienced defender Gerrard appeared to dispute a decision with referee Ross Joyce as the players made their way down the tunnel at the interval and received his marching orders.

Athletic had controlled most of the first half, with Ryan McLaughlin shooting just wide in the opening minute then forcing a save from goalkeeper Ryan Fulton with the last kick of the first 45 minutes.

Dan Jones swung and missed when in a good position for the Spireites in the first half but while the hosts enjoyed plenty of possession and territory as the clock ticked down, Connor Ripley barely had a save of note to make thanks to a determined effort in front of him.

And boosted by huge noise from their 883 travelling fans, Athletic won it thanks to Clarke.