First placed Spireites take on fifth placed Mansfield Town, Chesterfield are the only League 2 team that remain unbeaten. The Stags are unbeaten in their last 7 games having lost to Scunthorpe in their opening game. Although form guides go out of the window when its a big derby match, which will be played in front of a full house and non of the players from each side have played in this Derby game, should by now know what it means to both sets of supporters. So it will it could go down to who handles the atmosphere and the pressure the better.
Vital Quotes:
Cook told the official club website: ‘In terms of how we play the game it won’t change, it doesn’t change for anyone. Certainly we know what Mansfield will do and we’ve got great respect for them, I think they’re are having a fantastic year and I think Paul’s done a fantastic job.’
Paul Cox told the media: ‘It’s nice that both teams have got off to a great start as long as the game’s played in the right way, there’s a good atmosphere and if we go about our business like I know we can do then I’ll be happy. The first 15/20 minutes will be important, both teams will want to get their respective games going and set the tone for the rest of the game.’
Chesterfield Team News:
Marc Richards is available after missing the win at Oxford through injury. Nathan Smith (ankle) is still unavailable.
Player to watch: Gary Roberts
Gary Roberts could be the player that could open up the Mansfield defence, he can create space for himself and uses his skills and trickery to get past players, he has a great cross on him and he is very dangerous from dead ball situations and as a good eye for scoring goals.
Mansfield Town Team News:
Chris Clements (knee) is unavailable and Martin Riley is suspended.
Player to watch: Sam Clucas
The number 11 Sam Clucas was signed from Hereford for £20,000 plus a 15% sell on clause from Hereford United after rejecting a move to Crewe Alexandra because he wanted to stay local to this area, he lives in Lincoln. He has been a big key player for the Stags this season, having scored 4 goals from the last 4 games, he gave man of the match performances in each of their last 2 games.
Match Facts & Stats
Although its the Stags first visit to the Proact they have enjoyed some good results on their last 10 League visits to Chesterfield, winning 6, drawing 1 and losing 3, 12 goals for and 11 against. On their last league visit 22 December 2007 they lost 2-0 with goals from Ward and Lester.
Ref Watch:
Robert Madley from West Yorkshire is in charge of this big game, having just refereed the midweek league Cup game between WBA and Arsenal were he gave out 7 yellow cards. The Spireites have won 2 and lost one when he has been in charge. The last game he refereed involving the Spireites was last seasons 1-0 defeat to Gillingham, he booked O’Shea, Cooper and Togwell. So far this season he has given out 19 yellows and 1 red in the 5 games he has been in charge.
Match Prediction:
Both sets of fans have waited a long time for this game, it is the Derby we have all missed. It will be an highly competitive game, but I feel that the Spireites will rise to the occasion and win 3-1.
Next Fixtures:
A trip to Morecambe is the next fixture for the Spireites, they are currently in 8th place.
