First team coach Simon Bassey hailed the current Dons squad as the best ever after watching them hold the League Two leaders to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday night.

In a markedly improved performance to the 1-0 defeat to York at the weekend, Dons and Chesterfield shared the spoils from a match of few highlights – save for George Francomb’s second half goal.

The winger’s first league goal of the season was wiped out within five minutes when Ollie Banks struck for the Spireites.

Thereafter, the visitors had the possession, but not the chances, whereas Dons had neither.

Bassey said: “We were disappointed after Saturday, not only with performance but also the energy levels and the work ethic.

“The gaffer changed the shape of the team for Chesterfield and we gave a very good account of ourselves and fully deserved the point against the best team in the league.

“We were compact, and hard-working, and we still offered a threat. We had Kevin Sainte-Luce and George Francomb on the wings, and I thought Danny Hylton up front had an excellent game.

“Sure, he needs a goal, but his work-rate we excellent.”

Neal Ardley made five changes to the side beaten at the weekend, with Tom Richards, Will Antwi, Darren Jones, Charlie Sheringham and Luke Moore dropped in favour of Alan Bennett, Andy Frampton, Francomb, Sainte-Luce and Peter Sweeney.

Sheringham, Moore and Antwi were not even in the 18-man squad for the night.

Bassey said: “We have the best squad we have ever had at this football club.

“Performance levels weren’t good enough on Saturday, but we have the luxury of having Andy Frampton back fit, and a wealth of choice on the bench.

“We made significant changes to the York game and they all did well.

“But it is a squad effort, no one is singled out for criticism, we’re all in it together.”

Dons, 15th in the League Two table, go to promotion chasing Burton Albion this weekend.