Crewe Alexandra 0 : 0 Chesterfield - Roberts crowded out by Crewe

Gary Roberts twice went close to earning Chesterfield their first win in seven games, but they had to settle for a goalless draw at bottom club Crewe.

Roberts, once on loan with Crewe, was the inspiration behind Chesterfield's dominant display, but Paul Cooks's side struggled to break down Sky Bet League One's worst defence.

After Roberts slipped in Jay O'Shea , Chesterfield's leading goalscorer Eoin Doyle was inches away from finishing off and Jimmy Ryan fired in a 25-yard effort, which was well saved by goalkeeper Ben Garratt.

Crewe, without leading scorer Marcus Haber who was on international duty with Canada, struggled to make an impact.

The home side improved after loanee striker Danny Haynes had been replaced by teenager George Cooper at the break.

Cooper's cross picked out Brad Inman, but the winger failed to get his downward header on target.

Chesterfield skipper Ian Evatt needed to make a couple of last-ditch blocks to deny the lively Febian Brandy, while Tommy Lee punched out a cross-cum-shot from Inman.

Roberts was denied by Crewe defender Jon Guthrie, who cleared his curling effort off the line, before the Chesterfield attacker, who also had a goal chalked out for offside, just failed to hit the top corner with another classy effort.

Inman blew a great opportunity to steal it for Crewe after breaking free inside the box, but he allowed visiting defender Tendayi Darikwa to get back to prevent him from getting in a shot.