Err, welcome back my fellow Spireites and I'll start with a public apology. I seem to have cursed the Spireites recently with my recent articles. Last month I wrote praising them for playing well, winning games, and coming back from going a goal or two behind, all while making CFC history with 10 unbeaten games. The best start to a season since the 1930's. Only to then lose three games on the bounce! Then, in the previous month's article, I wrote just how much Tshimwanga is going to influence us for the season, as he was coming back into form by scoring his first goal of the season, only then for him to be linked with a big money move to Birmingham City (which luckily for us, fell through).
So, this month I thought I'd use my genius and wisdom more wisely and be a bit sneaky. So, here goes. Chesterfield will not win the league, not score more than 5 goals a game, keep clean sheets, have no injuries, and clearly stay in the National League for years to come. There, I think I've used the force.
No seriously. I am guessing however that there are one or two CFC fans who will agree with my sarcasm sadly. Judging by the land of social media, especially after the Eastleigh game. This was the third consecutive game, in a week, where we lost and Paul Cook had to face the camera explaining the performances and results. I have even read some fans calling for him to leave. Now, that is just plain wrong in my view. Paul Cook is a great manager and a solid signing given the league we are currently in. Football is undoubtedly a frustrating game at times and that involves losing games. The important thing to remember is that we win then too! "It's a funny old game" as one half of Saint and Greavsie said.
Not only was October 8 a bad day for the club with their 2-1 defeat away at Eastleigh. It was also a sad day for the club and all Spireites in general. For that was the day that we lost John Duncan who sadly passed away aged 73. The CFC manager from that historical FA Cup run of 1997. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Let's move on to some good news now, well for young lad and newest signing Uchegbulam at least. He started his first CFC game against Dagenham and Redbridge as he walked onto the field included in the starting 11. He played until the second half where he was subbed, in a double substitution for Tshimanga.
Next the FA Cup. Chesterfield travelled to Anstey Nomads for the last qualifying round of the FA Cup first round. The Spireites only had 250 tickets allocated to them as the Nomads are little more than a Sunday league team and the ground is tiny. That was in stark contrast since the last FA Cup game the Spireites played was away at Chelsea last season in the third round.
As you probably saw, and heard, the mighty voice of Cookie throughout the live BBC game shouting, or rather orchestrating the team. Dobra, Asante, and Tshimanga secured a comfortable 3-0 win to be in the draw for the first round. We were then drawn at home against League Two's Northampton Town and let’s be honest here, we completely outplayed the League 2 side and with Dobra’s phenomenal strike the Spireites sailed into the second round!
Back in the league now and the Spireites’ infamous Bromley home tie. This was the game that ended with the away team being a bit, well a lot mardy with the result. This led to some fighting on the pitch and the players and manager being sent off. Good news though, Tshimanga started and played his first full 90 mins. Even scored his fifth of the season from the spot too. King and Banks got the other two making it a 3-2 home win for us. So, back to winning ways, as after Bromley the Spiteites won at home to Boreham Woods and Gateshead.
At the time of writing, we have just played Northampton and we sit third in the league. We are a good few points behind leaders Notts Co. We will need to keep the goals coming and clean sheets to gain ground. In my eyes just pray for no injuries and keep Fitzsimons between the sticks and we will at least stay in the playoffs.
Keep the faith Spireites.
COYB’s!
Words & Images: Michael South