Recap: Injury-hit Chesterfield throw away lead against Bradford City

Bradford City v Chesterfield - live updates.Bradford City v Chesterfield - live updates.
Bradford City v Chesterfield - live updates.
Chesterfield will be hoping to bounce back from their Boxing Day defeat when they make the short trip to Bradford City today (3pm).

Our reporter Liam Norcliffe is at the game and will bring you all the build-up, team news and updates.

FT: Bradford City 2 v 1 Chesterfield: LIVE UPDATES (3pm)

Dangerous counter from Town

As Banks advanced forward from halfway, it looked like a good opportunity to shoot, but he opted to pass and the attack eventually broke down.

Another Bradford booking

Halliday receives a yellow for a high boot on Sheckleford.

Baldwin is then booked for clashing with Hobson.

Hobson forces a save

From Walker in the City goal. Hobson cut inside and had a pop but it was a reasonably comfortable save.

Drummond goes into the book minutes later for a late barge on Baldwin.

Thompson collects well

From Smallwood’s free-kick delivery from the right.

But Baldwin glances over at the near post.

Still 0-0. Chesterfield with the biggest chance of the game so far. They have quietened the home crowd.

Chesterfield should be 1-0 up. Mandeville linked-up with Drummond on the edge of the box and then skipped past a couple of challenges before firing wide with his left foot. Everyone was just waiting for the net to bulge but it went past the far post. Big chance!

Fast start from City

Bright start from the hosts. They’ve been first to the ball and had runners from deep attempting to get on passes in behind which Thompson has had to come out and collect.

Hobson is on the left for Chesterfield.

And we’re off!

What a fantastic venue and atmosphere for the last game of the year.

The teams are here!

Here we go at Valley Parade for the final game of 2024. It’s been a memorable year for Chesterfield as they finally sealed their return to the Football League and they will be hoping to end it on a positive note this afternoon.

They are very stretched today, with 14 players unavailable, but they will be backed by more than 2,000 of their own fans in West Yorkshire.

Stay with us as we bring you all the key action.

Depleted Chesterfield

If you include Mike Jones, who is injured but isn't going to feature now, Chesterfield have 14 players unavailable for today's game at Bradford City. The line-up still looks strong but it's a very youthful bench. If they get anything this afternoon it will be a great result.

Chesterfield team news confirmed - no Berry

One change as Hobson replaces Berry, who is not involved at all. We will ask why after the game. Mohiuddin makes the bench, which looks very thin.

Thompson; Sheckleford, Naylor, Grimes, Araujo; Banks; Markanday, Mandeville, Hobson, Dobra; Drummond.

Subs: Boot, Jessop, Horton, Oldaker, Cook, Mohiuddin, Elliott.

Such be an electric atmosphere!

Bradford's one to watch

Is striker Andy Cook, who is the joint top scorer in League Two, with 12 goals.

Our predicted Blues line-up

We’ll go for one change with Darren Oldaker replacing James Berry resulting in a switch back to 4-2-3-1.

Thompson; Sheckleford, Naylor, Grimes, Araujo; Oldaker, Banks; Markanday, Mandeville, Dobra; Drummond.

Subs: Boot, Jessop, Horton, Hobson, Berry, Cook, Elliott.

Chesterfield’s injury crisis continues with 14 players out, including Will Grigg and Ryan Colclough (both calf).

Gunner Elliott, just 16, made his debut off the bench against Fleetwood Town on Boxing Day.

Nobody is expected back for today’s game so Town’s stretched squad will have to go again.

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