They can have no complaints at losing this bottom of the table battle as the Spireites took their chances well and defended in depth when Yeovil's attacks, almost incessant towards to the end, threatened to salvage a point.
For the second game in succession Yeovil flattered to deceive. They scored the opening goal but with the experienced Efe Sodje suspended, lacked experience at the back although Sodje's replacement, Adam Lockwood, had a decent game.
In the 36th minute Yeovil grabbed the lead through one of their two Argentine strikers, Luciano Alvarez. He scored from close range after a great run by Kevin Amankwaah ended with a shot that rebounded to Alvarez off a defender's heel.
Chesterfield had always threatened danger and right on half-time levelled. A corner was only partially cleared and Paul Hall stabbed home from close range.
In the second half acting boss Lee Richardson immediately sent on Adam Smith in place of Kevan Hurst and he proved the match-winner. On both occasions Smith was helped by defensive errors but he grabbed two well-taken goals and almost completed a hat-trick at the death when he finished another pacy run with a shot that flicked off the top of the bar.
Smith's opener came on 53 minutes when, following a Yeovil corner, the home side were caught on the break and the substitute calmly lobbed advancing goalkeeper Chris Weale. On 75 minutes hesitation at the back gave Smith another chance and he took it easily.
Two minutes later Yeovil could have got back into the game when they were awarded a penalty. Barry Roche, who did a lot of good things in goal, brought down Kevin Gall. The other Argentinian, Pablo Bastianini, was entrusted with the kick but Roche threw himself low to his left to make a good save.