Recap: Chesterfield pegged back twice by Southend United as visitors score late equaliser
The Spireites are second in the table, three points behind leaders Stockport County.
Southend are 12 points off the play-offs but are in great form after going 11 games unbeaten in the league.
Our reporter Liam Norcliffe is at the match and will provide you with all the build-up, team news, updates and reaction.
Chesterfield v Southend United: LIVE UPDATES
Key Events
- FT: Chesterfield 2 v 2 Southend United (3pm KO)
- Substitute Fraser Kerr scores own goal on 88 minutes to hand Southend a point
- Jeff King scores stunner from distance on 10 minutes; Sam Dalby scores penalty after half-time; Calvin Miller heads Town back in front on 78 minutes
- One change for Chesterfield as Curtis Weston replaces Saidou Khan
- (4-3-2-1) Loach; King, Grimes, Maguire, Whittle; Weston, Kellermann; Mandeville, Whelan, Miller; Asante. Subs: Minter, Williams, Kerr, Rowley, Quigley.
Almost time
Here we go then for the last of five successive home games for the Spireites.
It’s cold and blustery day here at the Tehhnque but the sun is threatening to peak through the clouds.
Just the one change for Town as Curtis Weston returns from suspension to replace Saidou Khan, who is not in the squad. We will ask why at full-time.
League leaders Stockport don’t kick-off until 5.20pm at Aldershot so Chesterfield could go level on points with the Hatters for a little while at least.
Stay with us for all the big talking points from the game.
Chesterfield team news confirmed - one change
One change for Chesterfield as Curtis Weston returns from suspension and replaces Saidou Khan, who is not in the squad so there is probably an injury there.
(4-3-2-1) Loach; King, Grimes (C), Maguire, Whittle; Weston, Kellermann; Mandeville, Whelan, Miller; Asante.
Subs: Minter, Williams, Kerr, Rowley, Quigley.
Alex Whittle is deemed fit to start then.
Expecting Tom Whelan to play further forward with Weston deeper alongside Jim Kellermann.
No Tom Denton again.
What an innings
Loach on his special milestone, career highlights, 'Duracell battery' Cook and 'crazy' title race
Scott Loach says it will be a ‘massively proud’ moment for him when he makes his 500th career appearance on Saturday as Chesterfield take on Southend United.
Today’s officials
Referee: Aaron Jackson
Assistant referee: Michael D’Aguilar
Assistant referee: Jacob Lehane
Fourth Official: Jack Forder
Liam’s predicted line-up
Liam Norcliffe's predicted Chesterfield line-up for visit of in-form Southend United
Chesterfield are aiming for three wins on the bounce when they host much-improved Southend United on Saturday (3pm KO).
Southend team news
Harry Cardwell, Tom Clifford and Kacper Lopata were all forced to miss last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Solihull Moors.
“We will know more after training,” manager Kevin Maher said.
“Hopefully they will get through a whole session and make themselves available.
“We will get them on the grass and see where they are.”
Southend boss Kevin Maher on today’s game:
“We’ve got to focus on ourselves and perform, if we apply ourselves the way we want to then let’s see what happens.
“If you’re not really on it against anyone in this league you will come unstuck.
“They will be looking at us thinking it’s a tough one for them as well and hopefully we can make sure it is.
“We’re in a different place as a club now but they (Chesterfield) have had changes as well.
“It will make for a different game (to the two previous fixtures which Chesterfield won), but it will be equally as tough.
“They’ve got a manager in there who they’ve done unbelievably well to get in, getting a manager in of Paul’s calibre is a coup for them and I think it’ll benefit them in the long run.
“It doesn’t get much tougher than this and it’s one we need to be ready for.”
Chesterfield team news
Alex Whittle came off with a slight groin strain in midweek so he will be assessed.
Tom Denton (ankle) will be checked after missing out against Notts County.
Curtis Weston is available again for completing a three-match ban.