Recap: Ten-man Chesterfield hold on for draw against promotion rivals Stockport County in breathtaking National League clash
The Spireites, led once again by caretaker boss Danny Webb, are one point behind the Hatters and have lost just twice in 25 league games.
The hosts are on a remarkable run of ten straight wins, conceding just two goals in that time, and they have recorded six successive clean sheets.
Our reporter Liam Norcliffe is at Edgeley Park and will bring you all the build-up, team news, match updates and reaction.
Stockport County v Chesterfield: LIVE UPDATES
Key Events
- FT: Stockport County 2 v 2 Chesterfield (7.45pm KO)
- Draw keeps Chesterfield second, one point behind leaders Stockport
- Tshimanga gives Spireites lead on 16 minutes with superb finish; Asante makes it 0-2 on 21 minutes;
- Spireites down to 10-men as King is shown straight red on 53 minutes; Collar pulls goal back on 56 minutes; Croasdale makes it 22 on 65 minutes
- Spireites XI (3-4-1-2) Loach; Kerr, Grimes, Croll; King, Oyeleke, McCourt, Whittle; Mandeville, Asante, Tshimanga. Subs: Miller, Williams, Kellermann, Khan, Quigley.
- One change for Chesterfield as Oyeleke replaces Khan
- Caretaker Danny Webb in charge of Town again - won his previous two matches
Dave Challinor in his programme notes:
“An expected sell-out crowd shows the potential both clubs hold in size, fanbase, squad strength and ability to without doubt be Football League clubs once again.”
Liam’s predicted Chesterfield line-up
I’m predicting four changes from the win against Dagenham & Redbridge with Tyrone Williams, Curtis Weston, Manny Oyeleke and Jim Kellermann replacing Fraser Kerr, Jak McCourt, Saidou Khan and Liam Mandeville.
My thinking behind this is that I’m going to say that Town will change shape slightly and go with an extra man in central midfield and sacrifice the number 10 position.
Away from home, against a team who have won 10 in a row, in front of a big crowd, I think this would make a lot of sense. Chesterfield will need to do what Dover did against Stockport last time out and frustrate them with men behind the ball. Let’s face it, a draw would be a good result tonight.
It would be harsh on the likes of McCourt, Khan and Mandeville but I’m just wary of the high-tempo football Stockport play. It’s worth remembering that Dave Challinor’s Hartlepool United were three-nil up against Chesterfield after 43 minutes back in May and my fear is that it could happen again if the Spireites are too open in the first 30 minutes.
I think Weston and Oyeleke were rested on Saturday with this game in mind and let’s not forget that McCourt’s start against Dagenham was his first since October so two in three days might be a bit of a stretch. I’d certainly be thinking about giving McCourt another shot at Weymouth this weekend though.
Khan and Mandeville would be good options off the bench tonight if the Blues are chasing the game.
(3-5-2) Loach; Williams, Grimes, Croll; King, Weston, Oyeleke, Kellermann, Whittle; Asante, Tshimanga. Subs: Kerr, Miller, Khan, Mandeville, Quigley/Denton.