Adrian Patulea put the brakes on Chesterfield's play-off charge as Lincoln drew 1-1 at Saltergate.
Lester landmark as Spireites held
Jack Lester scored his 20th League goal of the season but Adrian Patulea replied to put the brakes on Chesterfield's play-off charge as the two sides drew 1-1 at Saltergate.
Both teams created chances in an open first half with Lincoln skipper Scott Kerr twice denied by Tommy Lee when he broke through the home defence while Lincoln keeper Rob Burch also raced off his line to stop Gregor Robertson before making an even better save to claw away a Martin Gritton header in the 29th minute.
But he was beaten six minutes later when Peter Till crossed low from the right and Lester's first-time shot found the bottom right hand corner.
Lincoln responded with an equaliser seven minutes into the second half when Chesterfield failed to deal with a corner and Patulea drove in his 11th of the season.
Anthony Elding was denied by Lee four minutes later but Chesterfield were unlucky not to regain the lead in the 58th minute when Robertson struck the bar with a 20-yard free-kick.
Till then put Lester in only for Burch to save to his left and Dany N'Guessan wasted two good openings on the break as both teams failed to land a knock-out blow.
