Chesterfield coach Kieron Dyer says Tranmere draw ‘feels like a loss’

Chesterfield coach Kieron Dyer said it felt like a defeat after his side were denied victory at Prenton Park as Tranmere snatched a stoppage-time equaliser in a 1-1 draw.

The visitors took the lead in the 12th minute when Omari Patrick diverted James Berry’s low cross into his own net.

But deep into stoppage time, Connor Jennings pounced on a loose ball in the box to level for Tranmere, denying Chesterfield all three points and earning the hosts a share of the spoils.

Dyer said: “It feels like a loss conceding an equaliser in the last few seconds of the game, it’s tough to take.

“The game panned out as we thought it would, they started off really bright for the first five minutes, but then we took control and looked very threatening.

“We went one up and had other chances to add to the lead, and we wondered if that might come back to haunt us.

“Second half, fair play to Tranmere, as they were the better team, and we looked a bit nervy because we had something to hold on to.

“But if you don’t get the second and third goal, you are always on a tightrope.

“Looking at the game overall, I think we had the better chances and limited them to very little, so it’s a tough one to swallow.

“I’m not one to moan about referees, but the officials in League Two are shambolic.

“For us to not have a penalty in 14 months is unbelievable, and that was a penalty when Lee Bonis was brought down in the box.

“Credit to Tranmere, they threw caution to the wind, and they will say they got what they deserved.”

Tranmere manager Andy Crosby, who has seen his side win just once at home in League Two this season, said: “We talked before the game about building momentum after last week’s win at Bristol Rovers.

“It was brilliant that we kept going right until the end, and I was so proud of that performance, because you can see the amount of players we don’t have available.

“We kept going right to the end against a really good team, who will be right up there come the end of the season.

“I’m incredibly proud that we kept going, and we got something out of it, which we deserved.

“I cannot work out why the goal we scored before half-time has been disallowed and the reason we’ve been given.

“We’ve had so many decisions at home, especially that we’ve been on the wrong side of.

“It’s really disappointing and frustrating, but I don’t want that to overshadow how proud I am of that performance.”