DABBLE FROM DOBRA TAKES SPIREITES ONE STEP CLOSER

ARMANDO Dobra’s early finish at Hartlepool kept leaders Chester field on track for a Football League return with the festive period approaching.

- Paul Fraser

The Albanian forward found the bottom corner from just outside the area and that proved to be the difference on a stop-start afternoon at the Suit Direct Stadium.

In blustery conditions and referee Aaron Bannister’s whistle regularly signalling free-kicks and ten yellow cards, not even the runaway leaders could hit top gear.

But Dobra’s fifth goal of the season in the fifth minute kept Chesterfield eight points clear at the top of the National League – and pushed Pools down to 15th and some nine points shy of the play-off zone.

Spireites assistant Danny Webb said: “Whether it is National League or Premier League, to win a league you have to get over speed bumps. This was one of those.

“Whether it is referee decisions or conditions, whatever it is, you have to be ready.