Substitute Ben Perry’s 82nd-minute header secured the U’s a point at the SMH Group Stadium, after Dilan Markanday had given the Spireites a 29th-minute lead.

Here are the Colchester player ratings, following their midweek away point in League Two.

THIMOTHEE LO-TUTALA 7

U’s goalkeeper had little chance with Markanday’s goal; denied Marsh in second half

 KANE VINCENT-YOUNG 7

Made a fine goal-line block and defended well on first league start since August

JACK TUCKER 7

U’s man of the match. Colchester skipper made two goal-line clearances and countless blocks

Solid - Frankie Terry performed well for Colchester United at Chesterfield (Image: Richard Blaxall)

FRANKIE TERRY 7

Stood up well to Chesterfield’s fluid attack; made an important goal-line clearance to deny Hutton

ELLIS IANDOLO 7

Had his hands full dealing with Markanday and Hutton in first half but showed more attacking intent after the break

ROB HUNT 6

Battled hard for Colchester in a midfield role before being replaced by Perry. Booked

Battler - Jay Williams put in a combative display for Colchester United (Image: Richard Blaxall)

JAY WILLIAMS 7

Covered plenty of ground, made some key interceptions and played his part in the U’s equaliser

PAUL DIGBY 7

Covered so much territory for the U’s and got forward often in a central midfield role

MOSES SESAY 7

Looked more dangerous when he moved into a more central position having started on right

Return - Jaden Williams came back from suspension for Colchester United at Chesterfield (Image: Richard Blaxall)

JADEN WILLIAMS 6

Was forced to defend for a lot of the first half but put in a shift for the team on left flank

BRAD IHIONVIEN 6

Missed a glorious second-half chance but did work hard for his team. Booked

SUBSTITUTES

BEN PERRY (for Hunt, 76)

OSCAR THORN (for Jaden Williams, 76)

SAM KUFFOUR JNR (for Vincent-Young, 76)

KIEN CONNOLLY (for Digby, 80)

LEON CHIWOME (for Ihionvien, 89)

Substitutes (not used): Raggett, Harvey.