The chaotic fixture schedule that awaits Chesterfield before end of National League season

This is the mountain task that Chesterfield face as they bid to surge for the play-offs.

When the Spireites return to action on Saturday, February 20 there will be just 14 weeks until the season finishes on May 29.

There are only five spare Tuesdays (March 9, 30 and May 11, 18, 25) between now and the end of the campaign and Town still need to rearrange a home match against King’s Lynn Town and a trip to Aldershot Town so that really means there are only three midweek spots available.

If any more games get called off because of the weather or Covid (more than likely) then we really are in a pickle!

Having to withdraw from the FA Trophy could prove to be a blessing given that would have meant at least one more league match would have had to be rearranged.

Looking at the fixture schedule, the Blues have 13 home matches and the same number away.

They still have to face leaders Torquay United, third-placed Sutton United and Altrincham in sixth on home soil. But a lot of the teams down at the bottom still have to visit the Technique Stadium (Dover Athletic 22nd, King’s Lynn 21st, Weymouth 20th, Yeovil Town 19th, Wealdstone 18th and Dagenham and Redbridge 17th).

On the road, Chesterfield have tough trips to Hartlepool United (2nd), Stockport County (4th) and Notts County (5th) to come but other than that the majority of teams are in and around them in mid-table.

Squad rotation is going to be massively important but James Rowe has put together a squad which has strength and depth.

It is only the forward line that could potentially be a bit light if injuries occur. Town really could do with Nathan Tyson returning sooner rather than later to boost numbers and Luke Rawson could be another option.

The gap to the play-offs is now nine points but Chesterfield do have three games in hand on Wrexham (7th) and four on Altrincham (6th).

But of course none of this will matter if clubs vote to null and void the season.

So hold onto your hats for what could be, if it is not already, an absolute chaotic end to the campaign!