Chesterfield boss Jack Lester hails Kristian Dennis

Posted Sunday, January 21, 2018 by PA

Jack Lester hailed Chesterfield top scorer Kristian Dennis after the striker came off the bench to score a 93rd-minute winner in a 2-1 victory at Yeovil.

The three points moved the struggling Spireites to within a point of their hosts in the Sky Bet League Two standings as they followed up the win against leaders Luton to move further away from the relegation zone.

“He’s been a big goalscorer for us,” Lester said. “We lost him with a calf strain for the last couple of weeks but it was a really composed finish for one of the top strikers in this league.

“There’s a lot of interest in Kristian and that’s why – because he wins you games. Had we been winning we probably would have left him (on the bench) but he had 10 minutes in him and he got the winner.

“It was a massive win. Yeovil were at home and looking to go seven points clear and now it’s down to one. It was important that we backed up the win against the league leaders last week.

“We’re looking up. It’s all tightened up from a position where we came into the game and we were set adrift. I don’t think we were good today but it’s a good sign when you come away and don’t play very well and you win.”

Dennis’ goal came in somewhat controversial circumstances with the hosts feeling there was a foul on Otis Khan before the ball was launched up to him, but referee Kevin Johnson disagreed.

Khan then shoved the official and was shown a straight red card, meaning the former Manchester United academy player will now miss the FA Cup fourth round clash against the Red Devils on Friday.

“We always seem to be on the wrong end of referee’s decisions,” said Glovers manager Darren Way. “We were carrying the momentum and there was only going to be one team going to win that game.

“I feel sorry for Otis because one man, making that decision, has shattered his dreams. There’s no two ways about it. He’s been affected by the decision and that’s a shame on football.

“I’m big enough and ugly enough to deal with this and protect my players. I don’t really know what to say because the decision was that bad.

“You’ve got a broken lad in there. I’m just gutted for the player. You can’t prepare a human being to be able to deal with that. I’m disappointed he reacted like that but you’ve got to think of Otis. I feel his hurt at the moment, I really do.

“Otis will have to take the punishment and I’ll have to protect him at the same time.”