Chesterfield 2-2 Port Vale

Tom Pope scored his 31st goal of the season to rescue a point for high-flying Port Vale against Chesterfield in League Two.

Vale took the lead when Darren Purse headed in from a corner but Marc Richards equalised against his former club with a deflected free-kick.

Richards put the Spireites ahead from a tight angle before Pope levelled with a weak header five minutes from time.

Vale stay in second place with Chesterfield six points off seventh.

VIEWS FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

Chesterfield assistant manager Tommy Wright told BBC Radio Sheffield:

"The way we responded to an early goal, we were bright and inventive, we kept the ball passing within 10 yards of each other and didn't go long. The game never got stretched and we were in control really.

"Port Vale changed their system because they were struggling against us and that was credit to us - I thought we were exceptional first half.

"We looked a good side and obviously Marc Richards scored two goals, bit fortunate with the first one with a deflection, but I thought the second was a great goal.

"I think you saw why Port Vale are pushing for promotion, they're strong, they're athletic - and they played Friday, maybe that [extra] day's rest, they did look fresher in the last 20-25 minutes of the game."