Friday 12th April 2013
by Dave Dove

Chesterfield FC's season is still very much alive for the fixture against Bradford City at the Proact Stadium on Saturday.

Victories at Burton Albion and Barnet either side of a home draw against Port Vale have put the Spireites within sight of a League 2 play-off spot. The side currently occupying seventh place, the final play-off position, are Bradford City.

The Bantams' resounding 4-1 win at home to Bristol Rovers on Tuesday put them four points ahead of the Spireites, but the gap would be reduced to a single point if the Spireites were to win on Saturday.

Both teams would then have three games left to play with the Spireites' fixtures looking marginally the more straightforward. Bradford City are themselves in a fine run of form, having won their last three games and since the League Cup Final defeat to Swansea City in February, they have lost only once in 11 games.

There are other teams involved in the battle for the final play-off spot, most notably Exeter City who are three points ahead of Chesterfield having played a game more. The fact they have lost their last four games and have an inferior goal difference makes them outsiders in this particular race.

The Bantams have already played 57 games this season. No fewer than seven of those have gone to extra time and four of those seven have gone to penalties - all of them won by Bradford!

When Chesterfield were at Valley Parade in early November, it finished stalemate with neither side able to score.

Leading scorer for the Bantams is 22 year old forward Nahki Wells. The Bermudan international was released by Carlisle United in May 2011 after making 3 appearances for the club. After a brief trial, he signed for Bradford City in July 2011. He has scored 17 times in 36 league appearances this season, including three in the last two games.

For Chesterfield, Marc Richards is recovering well from the ankle injury he sustained against Port Vale. He scored two goals in that game and with few games left to play and so much at stake on Saturday, Paul Cook is likely to give him at least a place on the bench even if he is not quite 100% fit.

Full back Richard Brindley and forward Armand Gnanduillet were not selected for the Barnet game because of problems with contractual negotiations. Whether those problems are now resolved is unclear but both are available for selection for Saturday.

Bradford City have sold their full ticket allocation and there should be a good turnout from the Chesterfield fans for what is undoubtedly the biggest game of the season - so far!

It would be a major surprise if this wasn't the largest gate this season at the Proact Stadium. Two in-form teams with everything to play for - it should be a fantastic game and occasion!

For more information and other CFC news, go to www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk

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