Grimsby v Chesterfield Preview

By: Alex Green
Date: 13/04/2010

THE games are dwindling awfully quickly now and though the revival has most certainly kicked in has it kicked in just a little late this time around?

History

One of the oldest clubs in the Football League, Chesterfield was formed in 1867 by Chesterfield Cricket Club of course, who had yet to discover the delights of 20/20 cricket. Originally formed as Chesterfield Municipals they moved to Saltergate in 1884 where they stay till this day. Rumours that Saltergate has yet to have been improved upon, cleaned, painted, checked or scrubbed since the opening day are obviously unfounded as it had to be painted for that film a few years ago. But now there is no point one of the few old stadiums left will soon be gone and though most wont miss the open terrace, open toilet and facilities that can only be matched at the Shawshank. It is just another traditional stadium going down the pan, which is a real pity. The crummyness of Saltergate aside Chesterfield have bobbled hitherto and back again in the lower leagues for years and of course I have to mention FA Cup, Elleray, Ball, line, over, awwww.

Last Season

Disappointing for the Spireites after splashing a bit of cash around Chesterfield were one of the favourites for promotion until a bad start with just 3 wins in 11, one of which was unsurprisingly against ourselves. After falling to 15th in October Chesterfield rallied and managed to stay comfortably a few places higher up and always threatened to snatch a play off place, that dream died a death on the penultimate day of the season with a defeat away to Accrington. Chesterfield managed to fill the huge loss left by talisman Jamie Ward who left for pastures new and well just better in January. Ward packed his bags and was last seen sprinting out of the town heading just down the road to the lovely city of steel which I'm sure the Spireite faithful don't mind one bit. That aside last season was deemed a failure and as such that lovely cock of a man Lee Richardson was kicked out of the front door, which was a positive for the rest of the league.

This Season

The Spireites are well within the chance of a play spot, though the possibility of an automatic place must have disappeared by now with Rochdale, Notts County and Bournemouth opening up a slender margin at the top. The hope of a Wembley finish is well within their grasp, but that’s not to say it’s a sure bet. Things at the top are tight any of 8 teams could get one of those 4 places available and with only 5 points covering them all it’s a question of who is going to finish the strongest.

At the moment that doesn't look like Chesterfield, though an impressive 2-0 win over Rochdale is the mark of a team heading for promotion. it was just 1 of 2 wins in 9 matches - hardly promotion form by any standards. Chesterfield fans must long for the days back in February when the team went 5 unbeaten. Instead of the team without confidence or form finding themselves on the losing end against Barnet and Hereford.

Star Player - Number 26, Wade Small

We all know Jack Lester so what’s the point in saying him? In fact super Jacky Lester has managed just 8 goals this year in the league Barry Conlon has 7 though some were for us but you get what I mean.

So lets look at someone who hasn't played for Town. Wade Small is the tricky little winger who currently tops the table for assists in wonky spire land. The 26 year old like every lower league player has a handful of clubs to his name Wimbledon (real) MK Dons (fake) Wednesday, Blackpool and Charlton have all had the guy on the books before his move to Derbyshire. Now he seems to have rooted himself for the time been and has become instrumental in Chesterfields play off campaign. He may not get on the score sheet as often as most but his contributions don't go unnoticed and be assured he'll cause the defence a lot of problems on Tuesday night.

Prediction

Grimsby 3-2 Chesterfield

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