Armando Dobra scored the only goal of the game inside five minutes when he met Emmanuel Dieseruvwe’s clearance to strike first time from the edge of the Hartlepool area with his effort taking a deflection in a crowded box to beat Joel Dixon.
John Askey’s side were spirited in their response, particularly in the first half, but were unable to find a breakthrough themselves.
Dieseruvwe wasted two big opportunities to score against his former club – the first in the opening minutes when slipping after rounding goalkeeper Harry Tryer before dragging wide later in the game.
The league leaders took control of the game in the second half without really creating anything clear cut but one goal was enough for the Spireites who continued their march towards the Football League.
And here is how Pools were rated in their narrow home defeat:
5. Jake Hastie - 6
Was positive in the first half and had some joy up against Horton. Played a couple of clever balls into Dieseruvwe through the lines. Had to do much more defensively in the second half as Chesterfield controlled things. Picture by FRANK REID Photo: Frank Reid
6. Kieran Wallace - 5
Struggled to get to grips with Banks and Naylor as the game passed him by a tad. Helped break one or two things up quite well in the first half and recycled possession reasonably well. Subbed off on the hour. Picture by FRANK REID Photo: Frank Reid
7. Nicky Featherstone - 7
Was very good in the first half. Dogged and determined in midfield and produced another couple of strong set piece deliveries. Like most he was tasked with sitting much deeper in the second half with Chesterfield dominating possession. Photo: FRANK REID
8. David Ferguson - 5
Similar to Brennan on the opposite side it was a challenge against Mandeville at times. Shanked clearance led to the corner in which the goal came from and was a little loose in possession. Defended resolutely in the second half but was kept quiet going forward. Picture by FRANK REID Photo: Frank Reid