James Rowe urges Chesterfield to 'build on momentum' after win against Aldershot Town closes gap to play-offs

Alex Whittle’s first goal for the Spireites was enough for all three points at Aldershot Town on Tuesday night.

Town now sit 10th and are two points behind seventh-placed Bromley with two games in hand.

“I am delighted with that win and it pushes us right in the mix,” Rowe said.

“There is a real togetherness and a bond, you could see how delighted everyone was in the changing room at the end.

“We really are building some momentum and it is an absolute honour to be a part of it. It is really growing and let’s continue it.

“Let’s build on that momentum.”

Whittle smashed in the only goal of the game at The EBB Stadium in the first-half, firing into the net after home stopper Mitch Walker failed to deal with Jack Clarke’s cross.

“We have been working on that in the last few days,” Rowe said. “We knew with their diamond that they don’t track the wing-backs so we knew we would get chances. I am delighted for Alex to get the winning goal.”

Tom Whelan showed incredible strength of character by attending his uncle’s funeral earlier in the day before meeting up with the squad in Aldershot. The midfielder came on in the second-half in place of Jack Clarke.

“He has done magnificent to get down here today after what he has gone through and he came on and showed great energy and worked his socks off for the team so credit to Tom,” Rowe said.

On the performance overall, the Town boss added: “I am delighted with the clean sheet, to minimise them to six or seven shots is impressive.

“We were completely in control in the first half.

“We have come a long way, coming to places like this, getting a clean sheet and really winning comfortably to be honest.

“I thought we looked robust and physical. They tried to put it on us in the second half, spin it in behind, long balls, and we defended our 18-yard box outstanding.

“The only criticism I would have is that we did not move it well enough when it dropped down."