Football: Allison's in wonderland

WAYNE ALLISON inspired Chesterfield to a dramatic victory over his former club Huddersfield - but a late fightback almost saw the Terriers take a point from this seven-goal thriller.

The defeat saw Huddersfield lose top spot to Southend, but the victory will ignite Roy McFarland's side's hopes of mounting a promotion push.

Huddersfield were 3-0 down at half-time but a rousing second- half fight-back almost saw them snatch a draw.

Terriers boss Peter Jackson said: "We did not turn up in the first 45 minutes and found ourselves 3-0 down.

"We have scored three goals away from home and we've not come away with anything - and that should not happen."

Chesterfield went ahead after 11 minutes when Allison gleefully put the ball into the back of the net to stun their high-flying visitors.

The Spireites extended their lead on the half-hour mark when Hall curled a tremendous right-footed effort past stunned keeper Paul Rachubka.

Fifteen minutes later, Allison flicked the ball on for Colin Larkin, who planted a drive high into the net past the despairing American.

Allison fouled David Mirfin in the home box soon after the break - only for Pawel Abbott to see Roche save his spot kick.

The game exploded into life again with four goals in the final 10 minutes.

Mark Hudson pulled one back for Huddersfield, only for Shane Nicholson to make it 4-1 from the spot.

Jonathan Worthington made it 4-2 three minutes from time - and it was 4-3 in the 90th minute when Andy Holdsworth smashed the ball home.

McFarland said: "I think it was a fantastic game for the supporters and for ourselves. But I thought that at 4-1 we should have killed the game off."

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