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MATCH PREVIEW: Chesterfield FC v Aldershot Town

Despite a disappointing 3-1 home defeat to high-flying Yeovil Town on Tuesday, Aldershot Town look to their latest fixture on Saturday away to Chesterfield FC.

Henry Port previews the game:

Shots Squad:

No new injury concerns to report with skipper Dean Rance still on the side-lines with a tendon injury, whilst Alex Finney, James Rowe and Ollie O’Dwyer are all working towards returns from their own injuries. Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong was however, given a late run-out in Tuesday’s game against Yeovil, so he should remain in contention for Saturday’s game away to Chesterfield as well.

 

Opposition:

Name: Chesterfield FC

Founded: 1866

Nickname: The Spireites

Manager: John Sheridan

Stadium: Proact Stadium

2018/19 National League position: 14th

 

Brief History:

Chesterfield FC was officially established in 1866 though it would be the third incarnation of that name that turned professional in 1891 and changed its name to Chesterfield Town. Chesterfield reached the FA Cup semi-finals in 1997. Relegated in 2006–07, they secured the League Two title in 2010–11, but were relegated from League One the following season. In 2011, Dave Allen took full ownership of the club and oversaw progress to two League Trophy finals; Chesterfield won the trophy with a 2–0 victory over Swindon Town in 2012, and finished as runners-up after losing 3–1 to Peterborough United in 2014. Chesterfield were crowned champions of League Two for a record fourth time in 2013–14, but remained in League One for just three seasons. Two consecutive relegations saw the club relegated out of the English Football League at the end of the 2017–18 season.

The Gaffer:

John Sheridan took charge of the Spireites in January following a spell in charge at Carlisle United. This role is Sheridan’s second spell at the club, having previously managed Chesterfield back from 2009-2012. Sheridan also had a rather successful playing career, playing for the likes of Manchester City, Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday.

Playing Squad:

Chesterfield’s squad has gone through a large transformation since last season. Key signings include former Forest Green Rovers man Haydn Hollis, cousin of former England captain Steven Gerrard, Anthony, joins the club from Carlisle United and former Doncaster Rovers forward Liam Mandeville joins from the League One side.

Referee:

Saturday’s referee is Thomas Parsons, who has been in charge of 4 games this season, showing 20 yellows, 1 red card and a penalty kick as well.

Commentary:

BBC Surrey Sport’s Rob Worrall & Aldershot Town Co-Founder Graham Brookland will be covering the game live on Saturday afternoon. Tune in to the BBC Sport website (or the BBC Sport App) from 2:50pm for full match commentary. To interact with them, tweet @RobShot66.