Chesterfield's next opponents Notts County will be without new striker for big clash

The Spireites travel to Notts County for the Saturday lunchtime kick-off needing a positive result to get themselves back in the play-offs. Paul Cook’s men currently sit eighth, outside the top seven on goal difference.

A good win against Colchester United was followed up by a disheartening defeat to Shrewsbury Town, which pretty much ended any hopes the Blues had of going on a run and getting into the top three. Town have now got 10 games remaining to secure a play-off place and a shot at promotion to League One.

This weekend they face a side in Notts County who have automatic promotion hopes of their own, with the Magpies just one place and one point behind third-placed Cambridge United. They won 2-1 in dramatic style at Walsall last time out which boosted their chances of catching the teams above them.

The two sides have played out some classic encounters over the years in the National League and that has continued into League Two, with Chesterfield winning the last two meetings, including a 2-0 success on Boxing Day.

The Spireites will be aiming to do what the last visitors to Meadow Lane did, with Grimsby Town winning there 1-0 at the end of February. That was a game which saw Notts striker Lee Ndlovu sent off before Charles Vernam struck a late winner.

County appealed Ndlovu’s red card but were unsuccessful which means he is suspended for this Saturday’s match. The experienced forward, 31, signed from Barnet in January and he has since scored two goals in eight appearances, netting in wins against Fleetwood Town and Tranmere Rovers, who they hammered 5-0.

Notts have still got plenty of other firepower, though, with Matthew Dennis having scored 14 times this season, while Jodi Jones is always a threat when fit.

As for Chesterfield, they will be assessing Ryan Stirk, who went off at half-time against Shrewsbury with a knock, while Dylan Duffy will be checked on after missing out with a groin niggle.