Saturday 3rd May 2014

Going into the final game of the season the Spireites have already secured promotion to League One - and the title of League Two Champions is there for the taking.

Expectations were high - but who wouldn't have accepted that nine months ago?

Thanks to the unforgettable win at Burton Albion, a capacity home crowd can enjoy Saturday's game without worrying about the play-offs but also in the hope and expectation of witnessing a Championship winning display.

The Spireites are top of the table with 81 points and an unassailable goal difference. Rochdale are on the same number of points and Scunthorpe are one point behind. A win means we're Champions. A draw or even a defeat could still see us Champions depending on how the other two do - but let's not think about that unless we have to!

Fleetwood Town themselves - the visitors today to the Proact Stadium - had realistic hopes of gaining automatic promotion before last weekend. However, their 1-1 draw at home to Southend United last Saturday meant that if the Spireites at least equalled that result the following day, then Fleetwood would be consigned to the play-offs.

As we now know, even a Fleetwood victory against Southend would not have been good enough. Whatever happens on Saturday, the Cod Army will finish in fourth place.

Fleetwood and Chesterfield are both undefeated in their last seven league games and both have won four and drawn three.

The Spireites record looks more impressive when you take into account only three of those seven games have been at home, whereas five of Fleetwood's seven were at home.

It will be the fourth time the two sides have faced each other this season. The first meeting at Highbury Stadium in October ended 1-1. Liam Cooper opened the scoring in the 55th minute before Fleetwood missed a penalty and then substitute Jon Parkin popped up to score an 89th minute equaliser for the Cod Army.

The second meeting, at the same venue, was the first leg of the Northern Area final of the JPT and the Spireites emerged 3-1 winners with Ian Evatt, Sam Morsy and Jimmy Ryan on the scoresheet.

The second leg was largely dominated by the Spireites but again, Jon Parkin scored a very late goal. There was then an agonising seven minutes of added time but Fleetwood's 1-0 win was not enough to prevent Chesterfield making their second Wembley appearance in three years.

Despite the fact his team will definitely finish in fourth place, Fleetwood boss Graham Alexander has said that he sees this as a very important game and is keen to keep up momentum going into the play-offs; that means fielding the strongest squad possible - but not necessarily risking players who are returning from injury or who are carrying a knock.

22 year old midfielder Adam Barton could be given his first start since arriving on loan from Coventry City on the 10th April. Jon Parkin may also be recalled to the starting lineup.

A likely starter for the Cod Army is 22 year old midfielder Josh Morris who has been named League Two player of the month for April. On loan from Blackburn Rovers, he scored two goals in five games during April - vital winners away at Cheltenham Town and home to Wycombe Wanderers.

For the Spireites, Daniel Kearns and Liam Cooper both had to leave the pitch through injury in the first half at Burton and neither will be fit for Saturday. There are a couple of other players who are thought to be carrying knocks and with Ollie Banks still out through injury and Sam Morsy through suspension, Paul Cook's options are severely curtailed as far as team selection is concerned.

Paul Cook was a nominee for the League Two manager of the month award for April but lost out to Portsmouth's Andy Awford. Any disappointment he may be feeling about that will surely be banished if the Spireites are crowned League Two Champions on Saturday.

Whatever the result, he and a sell-out crowd can still enjoy the Promotion party cake - but it will taste a whole lot better if it has some Championship icing on it!

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

RECENT STORIES

CHESTERFIELD FC TRIO SIGN NEW
DEALS TO STAY AT THE PROACT -
Jay O'Shea, Ritchie Humphreys and Ollie Banks have all signed new deals at the Proact Stadium. More...

QUARTET ARE RELEASED BY THE SPIREITES -
Chesterfield have released Sam Togwell, Jamie Devitt, Matty Brown and Jacob Hazel. More...

CHESTERFIELD TURNS OUT TO HONOUR FOOTBALLING CHAMPIONS -
Even the dank and dismal weather couldn't dampen the spirits, as thousands of Spireite fans turned out to watch Chesterfield FC parade the Championship Trophy More & Audio...

SPIREITES SHOW OFF THE SILVERWARE IN CHAMPIONS TOWN PARADE -
Chesterfield FC are tonight displaying the SkyBet League Two championship Trophy to Spireites throughout the town as they parade from the Proact Stadium to Chesterfield Town Hall on an open top bus. More...

'SPIRE LOTTO' IS LAUNCHED. WINNERS FOR WEEK 2 -
Week 2 results. Check the Chesterfield Post every week to see if you're a winner or to join in! More...

CHRIS TURNER INTERVIEW - "A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT!" AND MOVING FORWARD -
Chris Turner, CEO at Chesterfield FC, is understandably delighted to have seen the promotion to League One. More...

CHESTERFIELD'S CHAMPIONSHIP WINNING VICTORY. MATCH REPORT -
Chesterfield came from behind to secure a second SkyBet League Two title in three years with a thrilling 2-1 win over Fleetwood Town at the Proact Stadium. More...

CHESTERFIELD ARE CHAMPIONS! THE SPIREITES GOING UP IN STYLE -
Chesterfield FC are promoted as Champions of SkyBet League Two after a 2-1 win at home against Fleetwood. More...

THE PAUL COOK INTERVIEW - THOUGHTS TURN TO CHAMPION'S SPOT -
After the euphoria of Sunday's promotion to League One with a 2-0 win away at Burton, thoughts will doubtless have turned to the possibility of bagging the Champions spot at the PROACT this Saturday in front of a sell out home crowd. More & Audio...

'BLUES ON THE MOVE' PRIZE WINNERS FOR WEEK 51 -
Week 51 results. Check the Chesterfield Post every week to see if you're a winner or to join in! More...

SPIREITES DRINK TO PROMOTION AFTER DEFEATING THE BREWERS -
There were huge celebrations as Paul Cook's side earned promotion back to SkyBet League One, thanks to a 2-0 victory against Burton following a second half brace from Jay O'Shea. More...

THE PAUL COOK INTERVIEW - THE PENULTIMATE GAME BECKONS -
The last away trip for The Spireites this weekend - and with just two points separating them from top placed Scunthorpe, it's very much 'game on' More & Audio...

DAGGERS DEFEATED BUT PROMOTION REMAINS ON A KNIFE EDGE -
The Spireites picked up 3 vital points in East London as they consolidated their 2nd place in League Two, thanks to leading scorer Eoin Doyle More...

LEAM RICHARDSON INTERVIEW - "WE'VE EVERYTHING TO PLAY FOR!" -
There are just three games to go in the 2013/14 campaign and with no team yet promoted to League One, hopes are high that Chesterfield could still go up as Champions
More & Audio...

DRAMATIC
COMEBACK AT THE PROACT FOR 10 MAN CHESTERFIELD -
Ten man Chesterfield came from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw with Exeter City and earn a valuable point in the race for promotion. More...

DOVES EYE VIEW - DAVE DOVE ON GOOD FRIDAY'S GAME AT HOME TO EXETER -
Phew! - that's more like it! A week ago, the jitters had firmly taken control and I was fearing that our promotion chances might be slipping away. More...

THE PAUL COOK INTERVIEW - "IT'S ABOUT WINNING!" EXETER PREVIEW -
With just 4 games to go until the end of the season, Chesterfield gaffer Paul Cook admits that every game is now vital to their quest for League One football next season More & Audio...

SPIREITES RESTORE TITLE HOPES WITH A WELL DESERVED AWAY WIN -
Chesterfield took a massive leap towards securing an automatic promotion spot and restoring title hopes, after coming back from behind in a comfortable victory at Hartlepool More...

SPIREITES' JIMMY RYAN CLAIMS JPT ULTIMATE FINISH GLORY -
A spectacular 25-yard effort has ensured Chesterfield's Jimmy Ryan has become the latest winner of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Ultimate Finish competition. More...

LEAM RICHARDSON INTERVIEW - SPIREITES HOPING FOR POOLS WIN -
Spireites' Assistant Manager Leam Richardson was in determined mood as he faced the media ahead of the away clash at Hartlepool
More & Audio...

SEASON TICKET PAYMENT OPTION WELCOMED BY SPIREITES -
Chesterfield FC has said that the opportunity to pay for season tickets by monthly instalments has been welcomed by fans who would prefer to not make a lump sum payment. More...

CENTENARIAN GLADYS ENJOYS
THE VIP PROACT EXPERIENCE -
Centenarian Gladys Smith, was treated to VIP hospitality at Chesterfield's Proact Stadium on Saturday as she attended a football match for the first time in her life. More...

'BLUES ON THE MOVE' PRIZE WINNERS FOR WEEK 48 -
Week 48 results. Check the Chesterfield Post every week to see if you're a winner or to join in! More...

SPIREITES' MEMORIAL GARDEN FUND RAISING IS NOW IN FULL SWING -
Fundraising for the proposed £35,000 Chesterfield Memorial Garden is now in full swing - with the current total being £9,345. More...

CHESTERFIELD FRUSTRATED WITH A DRAW AGINST THE EXILES -
Chesterfield scuppered the chance to stay within touching distance of the top of League Two with a frustrating draw with Newport County. More...

THE PAUL COOK INTERVIEW - RETURN OF THE EXILES! NEWPORT PREVIEW -
After the heartbreak of losing at Wembley, Chesterfield now have just 6 matches of the campaign left to gain promotion to League One.
More & Audio...

DOVES EYE VIEW - SPIREITES WELCOME NEWPORT COUNTY TO THE PROACT -
Chesterfield return to League action on Saturday when they face Newport County at the Proact Stadium. More...

'BLUES ON THE MOVE' PRIZE WINNERS FOR WEEK 47 -
Week 47 results. Check the Chesterfield Post every week to see if you're a winner or to join in! More...

COOK & FERGUSON - BOTH THE MANAGERS' THOUGHTS AFTER THE WEMBLEY JPT FINAL -
Paul Cook expressed his pride in his side's efforts and commitment after the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final defeat to Peterborough at Wembley on Saturday. More...

SPIREITES SING THE BLUES AFTER JPT FINAL HEARTACHE. MATCH REPORT -
Chesterfield were left heartbroken as the Wembley dream was dashed by ten-man Peterborough United, who ran out 3-1 winners in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final. More...

"THIS IS THE MAIN EVENT!" CHESTERFIELD HEAD TO WEMBLEY -
"You can't express enough how big it is for any club to play in a major final in English football", that's Chesterfield FC CEO Chris Turner along with Paul Cook and players at today's press call
More & Audio...

CHESTERFIELD JUNIOR BLUES ARE
ON THEIR WAY TO WEMBLEY -
A junior football team from Chesterfield is Wembley bound, after being rewarded for their work within the community by the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. More...

SPIREITES NET
THREE POINTS
AFTER WIN OVER
THE SHRIMPERS -
Chesterfield netted three valuable points from last night's game against Morecambe - leaving them in the automatic playoffs with just 6 games to play More...

SPIREITES VW CAMPER ON A RETURN WEMBLEY MISSION -
Chesterfield fan Richard Markham is making a return trip to Wembley on Sunday, in his Spireites-themed classic VW Camper, for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final. More & Audio...

DOVES EYE VIEW - THE BIGGEST OF GAMES! MORECAMBE PREVIEW -
The debate still continues as to whether it was one point gained or two points lost for the Spireites at Mansfield on Saturday. More...

BUSINESS SPONSORS SOUGHT FOR SPIREITES' MEMORIAL GARDEN -
Chesterfield FC Supporters Club is seeking twenty local businesses to each donate £500 as they look to raise the money needed to build a Spireites Memorial Garden. More...

THE PAUL COOK INTERVIEW "WE NEED TO GET THE CLUB OVER THE LINE" -
With just seven games left to play in this season's SkyBet League Two, it was a clearly determined Paul Cook who faced the media ahead of tomorrow night's game against Morecambe. More...

SPIREITES EDGE ONE POINT CLOSER AFTER A CLOSE CALL AT THE ONE CALL -
Chesterfield had to settle for a point, against a hard working Mansfield side that deserved their share of the spoils More...

'BLUES ON THE MOVE' PRIZE WINNERS FOR WEEK 46 -
Week 46 results. Check the Chesterfield Post every week to see if you're a winner or to join in! More...

SPIREITES TO MAKE A STYLISH WEMBLEY APPEARANCE -
Chesterfield FC players and staff will make a stylish entrance at Wembley Stadium for the JPT final, after being supplied with smart new suits for the occasion by Greenwoods Menswear. More...

THE PAUL COOK INTERVIEW - DERBY DAY LOOMS FOR THE SPIREITES -
It's the biggest of derby games for Chesterfield this weekend as they travel to Field Mill to take on Paul Cox's Mansfield.
More & Audio...

SPIREITES URGED TO 'PAINT THE TOWN BLUE' AND BACK CHESTERFIELD -
The entire community of Chesterfield is helping to paint the town blue to back their football team on the road to Wembley. More...

JOHNSTONE'S PAINT TROPHY TOUR FUN ARRIVES IN CHESTERFIELD -
The countdown to the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final intensifies this week as an action-packed Trophy Tour has arrived in Chesterfield ahead of the Wembley spectacle. More...

THE PAUL COOK INTERVIEW - "9 GAMES TO GO!" - PLYMOUTH PREVIEW -
Chesterfield made the 230 mile journey yesterday ahead of tonight's League Two clash at Home Park, against Plymouth Argyle where former Spireite gaffer John Sheridan is in charge More & Audio...

'BLUES ON THE MOVE' PRIZE WINNERS FOR WEEK 45 -
Week 45 results. Check the Chesterfield Post every week to see if you're a winner or to join in! More...

GARY ROBERTS IS NAMED SKYBET LEAGUE TWO PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2014 -
Chesterfield FC's Gary Roberts has been named the Sky Bet League Two Player of the Year at The Football League Awards 2014. More...

AND THEN THERE WERE EIGHT... SPIREITES vs OXFORD MATCH REPORT -
Chesterfield returned to winning ways with a convincing 3-0 win over eight-man Oxford at the Proact to stay top of SkyBet League Two. More...

DOVES EYE VIEW - "NICE TO SEE U'S". OXFORD PREVIEW -
Despite gaining only two points from the last three games, the Spireites are still top of SkyBet League Two as they prepare to face Oxford United at the Proact Stadium on Saturday. More...

THE PAUL COOK INTERVIEW. LOOKING FORWARD TO
OXFORD UNITED -
With just 10 games left until the end of the 2013/14 campaign, Chesterfield boss Paul Cook admitted in his pre match look at this Saturday's home game against Oxford United, that the pressure is on! More & Audio...

CHESTERFIELD
SIGN TEENAGE STRIKER FROM
DERBY COUNTY -
Chesterfield have signed teenage striker Mason Bennett from Derby County on a month's loan. More...

SPIREITES MAKE A POINT AGAINST THE DONS.
MATCH REPORT -
Chesterfield picked up what could be a valuable point on the road last night - after coming from behind at Wimbledon to draw 1-1. More...

THE PAUL COOK INTERVIEW - "LOSING DAN (GARDNER) IS A BLOW!" -
It was a philosophical Paul Cook who faced the media on Monday morning - less than 48 hours after his side slumped to a 3-1 defeat at his former club, Accrington Stanley.
More & Audio...

'BLUES ON THE MOVE' PRIZE WINNERS FOR WEEK 44 -
Week 44 results. Check the Chesterfield Post every week to see if you're a winner or to join in! More...

MOLYNEUX'S HAT TRICK STUNS SPIREITES. MATCH REPORT -
Lee Molyneux's first half hat-trick earned 10-man Accrington Stanley a stunning 3-1 victory over Paul Cook's table topping Spireites at the Store First Stadium More...

THE PAUL COOK INTERVIEW - "WE'RE A POINT NEARER WHERE WE WANT TO BE!" -
It will be familiar territory for Paul Cook on Saturday when his Chesterfield side make the journey to Accrington Stanley. More & Audio...

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR MEMORIES OF SALTERGATE TO BE SEEN IN PRINT -
Email from an author who is seeking Chesterfield fans who would like to contribute to a new book - regarding leaving one football ground for a new one. More...

TOMMY LEE SAVES THE DAY FOR CHESTERFIELD. MATCH REPORT -
Not a game that had 0-0 written all over it on paper, a determined and organised Portsmouth held Chesterfield to just one point after a game of chances which neither side converted. More...

DOVES EYE VIEW - A WEEK'S A LONG TIME IN FOOTBALL! POMPEY PREVIEW -
What a difference a week makes! Last Saturday evening we were in despair, reflecting on a poor Chesterfield performance at lowly Wycombe which ended in a 1-0 defeat. More...

SPIREITES HOPE TO 'PLAY DOWN POMPEY' IN FRONT OF SKY TV CAMERAS -
It is a rare weekend without a game for Chesterfield, as they prepare to take on Portsmouth in front of the Sky cameras on Monday evening More & Audio...

A MAGNIFICENT SEVEN MINUTES
PUSH CHESTERFIELD 'FOUR'-WARD -
It may be the Cheltenham Festival week - but it was Chesterfield FC who were at the races last night, bringing home 3 points after a stunning victory at Whaddon Road - bagging 4 goals and holding onto their lead at the top of League Two. More...

THE PAUL COOK INTERVIEW - BEING POSITIVE AND LOOKING FORWARD! -
With just 14 League games to go until the end of the season, tests are coming thick and fast for the Spireites, with midweek matches scheduled for the foreseeable future.
More & Audio...

'BLUES ON THE MOVE' PRIZE WINNERS FOR WEEK 42 -
Week 42 results. Check the Chesterfield Post every week to see if you're a winner or to join in! More...

SPIREITES TAKE A BACK SEAT TO CHAIRBOYS. MATCH REPORT -
The Spireites lost a scrappy game at Adams Park to end their six match unbeaten League run, allowing Scunthorpe to draw level on points at the top of League Two, after they put five past Portsmouth. More...

THE CHRIS TURNER INTERVIEW - "WE'RE ON TARGET & ON OUR WAY TO WEMBLEY!" -
In case you hadn't heard, Chesterfield will be travelling en masse to Wembley in 5 weeks time, where, for the second time in 3 seasons, they will compete in the JPT Final More & Audio...

THE PAUL COOK INTERVIEW - "WE'RE
IN A GOOD PLACE AT THE MOMENT!" -
It was an understandably happy Paul Cook who faced the media on Friday, ahead of the upcoming game against Wycombe, after he'd seen his side progress to the JPT final at Wembley More & Audio...

TICKET DETAILS ANNOUNCED FOR CHESTERFIELD'S JPT WEMBLEY FINAL -
Ticket details for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final, when Chesterfield face Peterborough United at Wembley, on Sunday, March 30th, have been released. More...

QUE SERA, SERA... CHESTERFIELD HEAD TO WEMBLEY! MATCH REPORT -
I'm delighted tonight for everyone connected to the club" - that was Chesterfield manager Paul Cook after seeing his side progress to the Wembley final of the JPT More...

THE PAUL COOK INTERVIEW PLUS A 'WEMBLEY WARNING' FROM ROBERTS -
Winger Gary Roberts has warned his Chesterfield team-mates the job is "only half-done" as they aim to complete their Wembley mission against Fleetwood Town.
More, Video & Audio...

Related Tags

Chesterfield FC Website