Recap: Chesterfield concede late equaliser against Weymouth in Paul Cook's first match as Kabongo Tshimanga is stretchered off
Cook was appointed on Thursday for his second spell in charge after leaving seven years ago.
With league leaders Stockport County in FA Trophy action, Town will go top of the table with a win in Dorset.
The Terras are third bottom and ten points from safety.
Our reporter Liam Norcliffe is at the game and will bring you all the build-up, team news, updates and reaction.
Weymouth v Chesterfield: LIVE UPDATES
Key Events
- FT: Weymouth 1 v 1 Chesterfield (3pm KO)
- Alex Whittle gives Town lead with 20 minutes to go
- Kabongo Tshimanga stretchered off in second-half; Rose scores late equaliser for hosts
- Two changes as Jim Kellermann and Calvin Miller replace the suspended Jeff King and injured Luke Croll.
- Paul Cook’s first game since returning to Spireites
- (3-4-1-2) Loach; Kerr, Grimes, Whittle; Mandeville, Oyeleke, McCourt, Miller; Kellermann; Asante, Tshimanga. Subs: Williams, Weston, Khan, Rowley, Quigley.
Liam’s predicted line-up
I’m predicting three changes from the draw against Stockport County with Tyrone Williams, Saidou Khan and Calvin Miller replacing Jeff King, Luke Croll and Manny Oyeleke.
We know that King is suspended for the next three matches after his red card in midweek, Croll left Edgeley Park on crutches and Oyeleke was forced off in the second-half although it is nothing serious.
Danny Webb said that Curtis Weston (ankle) and Oyeleke (calf) will both travel with the squad and that Laurence Maguire (Achilles) is a ‘maybe.’
We will get more clarity on Croll’s suspected injury after the match.
If I’m right it would mean Whittle dropping back into the three-man defence, Miller coming in at left wing-back and Khan providing a more attacking option in central midfield just as we saw against Dagenham and Redbridge last weekend.
With Gavin Gunning still out and if Croll and Maguire don’t make it then there is a lack of defensive options but Weston could play there if needed.
(3-4-1-2) Loach; Kerr, Grimes, Whittle; Williams, McCourt, Khan, Miller; Mandeville; Asante, Tshimanga. Subs: Weston, Oyeleke, Kellermann , Quigley, Denton.
Danny Webb on today’s opponents:
“It is going to be a different type of pressure and a different type of game. It’s a team that is going to be fighting for their life to stay up.
“It won’t be a sell-out crowd. It’s a long coach journey down there. How are we going to deal with that?
“To be successful you have to deal with all kinds of pressure. There’s an expectancy on us to win and win comfortably but it doesn’t work like that.
“This is a different kind of game, and we have to respect them. We have to make sure we come away with the win.”
Weymouth boss David Oldfield:
“Preparations have gone well this week. The players have worked hard and had a week of as many sessions as possible.
Chesterfield are doing very well and have the returning manager to give them a boost. A big challenge for us and one we are looking forward to.”
Weymouth’s home record this season
P13 W2 D3 L8
The Terras have picked up just nine points on home soil this season - the third worst record in the league.
Early team news for today
Why Spireites did not appeal Jeff King's red card against Stockport and team news for Weymouth
Jeff King will be suspended for Chesterfield’s next three matches after the club decided not to appeal his red card against Stockport County.
Danny Webb on Paul Cook
'It's given everyone a big lift' - Danny Webb on Paul Cook's arrival and staying on at the club
Danny Webb says Paul Cook’s arrival has already given everyone a ‘big lift.’
Paul Cook’s first words since being appointed
Paul Cook's first interview: Why he came back, a 'difficult' two years and no 'big changes'
Paul Cook says his ‘love’ for the Spireites is what brought him back and that he will give everything in his ‘heart’ to bring the club success again.
Interview: John Croot on Paul Cook’s return
John Croot on how Paul Cook's 'passion' for Spireites helped seal deal, plus contract details and backroom staff
Paul Cook’s ‘special feeling’ for the Spireites was the driving force behind his sensational return to Chesterfield, says chief executive John Croot.