Chesterfield Match Preview

Hartlepool United travel to Saltergate in fine form and will look to progress into the second round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy

Match Preview

Chesterfield lie in 4th place in League Two after 2 wins and 2 draws so far this season. After two draws against Chester and Stockport they got their first win against Peterborough and followed it up with victory against Wycombe on Saturday.

Manager Lee Richardson was critical of his team despite their win at the weekend ‘We started the game extremely well. We were super in the first 20 minutes but then dropped off the pace.’

‘The performance was patchy.’

Pools will look to match their impressive result on Saturday but two games in a week could take it’s toll. Danny Wilson said ‘It’s not easy and life is very hectic with two games a week, but the players are all enjoying life back in League One after promotion, and so am I.’

Chesterfield Team News:

Peter Leven has joined an already long injury list and with Aaron Downes away for two weeks, players like Adam Smith, Jamie Jackson and Ben Algar could play.

Player to watch: Jack Lester

Lester has scored 4 goals so far this season and Pools will need to watch out for his attacking threat

Hartlepool Team News:

Willie Boland and Anthony Sweeney will both be missing due to hamstring injuries but Pools can welcome Ali Gibb back from his suspension

Player to watch: Ian Moore

Moore scored a great goal on Saturday and he’ll hope to make it 3 goals in 3 games tonight.

Match Facts & Stats

The last meeting of the two sides ended in a Pools win at Victoria Park in February 2006, the last meeting at Saltergate ended in a 3-1 defeat for Pools but that was our only defeat in our last 4 visits

Match Prediction:

It’s our best chance of a trophy so i’d like us to go for this, obviously i’d rather we reached the play-offs in the league but who would frown at a trip to Wembley.

The outcome of the match really depends on who the managers pick. Both teams wil probably make changes and the fringe players will be rearing to prove themselves and i can see plenty of goals.

Chesterfield 2-3 Hartlepool

Next Fixtures:

Pools face Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday and Swindon Town visit the Vic on the 15th