Chesterfield’s impressive revival continued as they claimed an easy 2-0 win over mid-table Rushden at Saltergate.
Strikers Glynn Hurst and David Reeves grabbed the goals as Roy McFarland's men made it ten points from the last 12.
But the Spireites were helped by a woeful performance from Diamonds, who rarely threatened Carl Muggleton's goal.
Hurst gave the home side the perfect start when he volleyed past Jamie Ashdown from close range with less than two minutes played after Andy Sambrook flicked on a long throw.
Rushden almost hit back six minutes later but David Bell's header struck Muggleton's right hand post and rebounded to safety.
The rest of the opening period was largely forgettable with chances for either side few and far between.
But Chesterfield roared out after the break and Ashdown made three superb saves before Reeves sealed the points on the hour.
The veteran striker sent Ashdown the wrong way from the penalty spot after Barry Hunter was adjudged to have handled in the box.
The visitors never looked like getting back into the game and the closest they came to finding the net was when Andrew Burgess saw his effort brilliantly tipped over the bar by Muggleton two minutes from time.
The result lifts Chesterfield further away from the Second Division drop zone and leaves Rushden anxiously looking over their shoulders.
After the game, McFarland said; "Three wins on the trot is a massive boost for us at this time of year. We now know what we have to do to survive and our target must be 50 points." "I'm delighted that we kept a clean sheet today and our work rate was exceptional." Diamonds Boss Brian Talbot admitted that his side now had no chance of making the play-offs.
He added; "I've no complaints about the result at all. They were better than us and were stronger and more determined." "We're just not good enough at this level away from home. We need to get some points from somewhere as we have to make sure we stay in this division. Just to do that would be a fantastic achievement."