Aldershot Town will be looking to bounce back from the 1-0 away defeat to Wrexham AFC two weekends ago with a tough test in the National League against a rejuvenated Chesterfield FC at the Technique Stadium.
In association with LV BET, Henry Port previews the game:
Shots Squad:
Several players are working their way back into contention with the likes of Alex Finney (hamstring), skipper Jamie Sendles-White (calf), Craig Tanner (TBC), Ross McCormack (Achilles) and Lewis Kinsella (MCL) all pushing to be back as soon as possible. Midfielder Alfy Whittingham will also be hoping to be back in time for Tuesday’s trip to Chesterfield following a slight knock picked up at Wrexham, as he looks to continue his impressive form so far this season.
Opposition:
Name: Chesterfield FC
Founded: 1866
Nickname: The Spireites
Manager: James Rowe
Stadium: Technique Stadium
2019/20 National League position: 19th
Current National League position: 17th
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 and 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.
Departed:
A total of 9 players left permanently over the summer. Experienced midfielders Robbie Weir and Sam Wedgbury with young midfielder Charlie Wakefield also moved on to pastures new. Youngsters Jack Holmes and Jay Sheridan have also moved on. Centre-forwards Lee Shaw, Levi Amantchi and recent Aldershot Town addition Mike Fondop also left the club, with a well-known name in Shwan Jalal also opting to hang up his boots at the age of 37.
Arrived:
A total of 7 players joined the ranks at the Spirites, most recently a player former Gloucester City manager James Rowe knows well in Akwasi Asante, making the same move over to Chesterfield as his manager last week. Before this, the Spirites brought in recruits from a number of positions with the likes of Nathan Tyson, Kyle Letheren, Alex Kiwomya, Tyler Denton and Milan Butterfield all arriving on permanent deals. Young full-back Jordan Cropper also joined the club from Premier League side Burnley on loan in a bid to gain more experience in first-team football.
Form:
Chesterfield’s form had been initially tough at the start of the 20/21 campaign with two wins and seven defeats. But after a much-needed win against Weymouth last weekend, Rowe and his new side will come into his first home game in charge with plenty of confidence.
Referee:
Tuesday evening’s referee is Adam Herczeg with his assistants Richard Watson and Johnathon Bickerdike and the fourth official officiating the game is Kevin Saunby.
Match Coverage:
BBC Radio Surrey Sport will be providing Live Online Commentary of the match from 6:50pm with Rob Worrall and special guest, Northern Sports Journalist Chris Pratt. For details of ‘Live Streaming’, click HERE
