Words and images: Michael South
Hello again my fellow Spireites.
Following last month's article, things are going well and we are still on track to be promoted back to the league two of football. Even though however, we have some serious issues in the old injuries department at the squad, defence mainly, we keep marching on.
Gunning is now out for a while with his broken face which he picked up during the victory against Eastleigh. Despite other defensive injuries, with Laurence Maguire, Haydn Hollis and George Carline, we are still heading in the right direction thankfully.
Now, the bright side. You may have heard that Chesterfield Football Club has actually secured their place in the second round of the FA Cup destroying Southend United 3-1 at home last weekend (or a few weeks ago by the time you read this). We normally crash out at the first round or not even qualify for it since we sunk to the National League, so to be in the next round is a top feeling. Shame we aren't at home for it but I'm sure we'll beat Salford to reach the 3rd round to play Man City at home!
Judging by the team spirit and attitude during the injury crisis, the club clearly want to get as far as possible in the FA cup. I actually have a genuine feeling we will get past the 3rd round this season and show the general footballing public what we are capable of. Watch the Tshimanga goal against Southend back on YouTube, it was amazing to see. Especially as he'd only just been substituted on to the field. And as I keep banging on about, it's all down to the boss James Rowe. So much so, a month or so earlier, Southend even tried to poach James Rowe away from us to improve their own position. Obviously he remains firmly committed to the cause of the master plan at CFC. What more does he want? A young manager with the board's backing, in my opinion he is all set up to become a historical manager for the club and the town of Chesterfield. The young CFC fans of today who come to watch the home games now with the their mates or with family, will hopefully be telling their own kids what it was like to witness Rowes squad play at the ground. He's already notched up over 50 games under his belt for us and he will no doubt deliver the promotion to the fans back to the footballing leagues. Well he best do or I will look a bit daft. Technically speaking, we are currently on course for the league and cup double. That's the beauty of the FA cup. The normal rules of football don't apply, so let's just take a moment here to imagine that.
... Anyway (click of fingers), back to the present.
We currently sit 3rd in the table just a single point below leaders Boreham Woods and level on points with Grimsby. We have a less than fit squad but we are still looking good. The fact that we sign quick loanees to plug the gaps is again credit to the club's presence in the National League and to Rowe. James signed defender Luke Croll from Dag & Redbridge on a short-term deal to fill in for Gunning. And you know what, he even scored on his debut after just 14 minutes!
Tshimanga too continues to bag the goals, netting his 12th goal in 14 league games. Currently the leading goal scorer in the league at the time of writing but I'd bet my last 50p that by the time you read this, he's scored even more! What a beautiful feeling to have. Seriously if you haven't been to see the guy play yet, get down to the stadium at a weekend to witness him...and the team play. You will not be disappointed. So, come the 15th May against Woking at the last game of the season you will be there, to see us lift the trophy.
Remember, That's keep the faith Spireites!
COYBs!!!