Why Maidenhead United manager Alan Devonshire will not be at Chesterfield match

Alan Devonshire’s side are the in-form team in the National League and sit in the play-off positions despite losing their first three games.

Winger Sam Barratt will be the ‘one to watch’ with seven goals in seven games as well as striker Nathan Blissett.

“They are a team on a crest of a wave at the moment,” Pemberton said.

“They are full of confidence, they work really hard and they are on a really good run of form.

“They didn’t have the best start but I think it shows what this league is. You need something that can kick-start you and you can get on a run.

“I have watched them four times over the last week or so and they are well organised and they have got Barratt who is scoring goals, Blissett who is experienced and a handful if we are not at it.

“They are a good, honest team who work hard and that is what you have got to be before anything else. You have got to do the basics right at every level and they do that very well.

“Barratt is scoring regularly and he also has an extremely long throw so that is going to be a threat to us.

“We know what they are capable of doing and what he is capable of doing but the players who play on Saturday have to take responsibility and do their jobs. We are a handful for anybody when we play well but are just being consistent and performing.”

Maidenhead did not have a cup game last weekend but played a Brentford XI in a friendly which ended 1-1.

Manager Devonshire will not be at the game on Saturday because he is undergoing hip surgery on Friday but he will be in contact with his coaching staff via phone.

“I played against him when he was at West Ham and funnily enough I played in his testimonial at Upton Park,” Pemberton added.