Following Saturday’s thrilling 3-3 home draw with Boreham Wood – in which Josh Rees (with a brace) and Toby Edser, scored the goals, Aldershot Town are at the EBB Stadium again on Tuesday to host former Assistant Manager James Rowe’s much improved Chesterfield.
In association with LV BET, Rob Worrall previews the game:
Shots Squad:
Lewis Kinsella, Craig Tanner and Ross McCormack all continue to make good progress in their rehabilitation from long term injuries. George Fowler is back in training too, as is James Rowe, Joe Rabbatts and Ben Shroll. Alex Finney remains side-lined with a hamstring injury. Mitch Walker may also return to the squad.
Opposition:
Name: Chesterfield FC
Founded: 1866
Nickname: The Spireites
Manager: James Rowe
Stadium: Technique Stadium
2019/20 National League Final Position: 19th (20th on PPG – 1.15)
The Gaffer:
37-year-old Rowe is a name that Aldershot Town fans will know well, having not only a current midfielder with that exact name but also Chesterfield’s Rowe is a former Assistant Manager with The Shots under former manager Gary Waddock.
Waddock and Rowe were successful during their time at the club, guiding The Shots to two successive play-off positions in 2016–17 and 2017-18, before Rowe left Aldershot Town in January 2019, by mutual consent.
In November 2019, Rowe was back in football management and was appointed Manager of National League North side Gloucester City. He started well this season with four consecutive wins, equalling their best league start in 78 years. However a year on, Rowe decided to leave Gloucester to become manager of National League club Chesterfield, signing a contract through the end of the 2022-23 season. Since arriving at the Technique Stadium, Rowe has guided Chesterfield away from the National League relegation zone, whilst making a number of changes to personnel.
Playing Squad:
Since Rowe’s arrival a number of players have arrived, including several that were with him at Gloucester; Defenders Gavin Gunning and Alex Whittle, Midfielder George Carline and Striker Akwasi Asante, who has netted seven goals already since joining the Spireites. Rowe has also brought in a several players on loan, including; Keeper Adam Pryzbek (Ipswich Town), Midfielder Jack Clarke (Aston Villa) and Striker Marcus Dinanga (Stevenage). There have been departures too, including Tyler Denton, Kyle Letheren and Alex Kiwomya, but with so many players incoming, Rowe has furloughed a number of players that are not currently in his first team plans. Scott Boden has been loaned out to Torquay, whilst fellow striker Adi Yussuff has also been added to Rowe’s squad.
Form:
The Spireites lost 7 of their opening 9 league matches this season and soon parted company with former Manager John Pemberton. Since taking over, Rowe has totally turned Chesterfield’s fortunes around and they won 9 National League games under him, drawn 3 and lost just 4 matches. Following Saturday’s 2-0 win at Barnet, the Spireites climbed to 11th place, their highest of the season.
Referee:
Tuesday evening’s referee is James Durkin.
Match Coverage:
The match will be streamed and available on ‘Shots TV Live’ HERE with Presenter Mark Butler, Commentator Rob Worrall and some special guests. BBC Radio Surrey Sport will also be covering the match with live online commentary available on the evening.
