Gary Johnson’s side will be looking to follow up their midweek draw against Dorking Wanderers, as Chesterfield take on United at Plainmoor on Saturday.
Following Wednesday evening’s fightback to force a share of the points against Dorking Wanderers, Chesterfield are the fourth visitors to Plainmoor in two weeks when Paul Cook’s side come to town this weekend.
Who’s the Boss?
Paul Cook is currently enjoying his second spell at the helm, after returning to the club in February, seven years after his first stint managing the side. During his first spell in charge, Cook guided the club to the League Two title, and the League One play-offs. Upon his return to the Spireites earlier this year, the 55-year-old’s side went on to claim the final play-off spot at the end of the season. After overcoming FC Halifax Town 2-1 in their eliminator, his side succumbed to defeat against Solihull Moors (3-1) in their semi-final clash.
Cook’s side had a great start to the season, and went on a 10 game unbeaten run, which eventually came to an end when his side slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Maidenhead United on 1st October – with the run of form also seeing his side score 21 goals.
In between his time at the Technique Stadium, Cook enjoyed much success at the likes of Portsmouth and Wigan Athletic. During a two year spell at Portsmouth, he won the League Two title, meanwhile his three-year stint at the helm of Wigan included a League One title. Cook then went on to spend nine months at Ipswich Town, preceding his Chesterfield return in February.
Prior to his first stint at Chesterfield, Cook began his managerial career at Southport before management roles at Sligo Rovers and Accrington Stanley followed. As a player, Cook was a creative midfielder and played for the likes of Wigan Athletic, Wolves, Coventry City and Burnley.
How have they been doing?
Paul Cook’s Spireites currently reside in 3rd place in the National League, 8 points off of current league leaders Wrexham. Following their 10 game unbeaten run at the start of the season, three back-to-back defeats followed, but the side seemed to have picked themselves back up again and are unbeaten in their last 5 league fixtures.
Their home form has been a key component in the Spireites run of good form, with 7 of their 10 league wins so far this season coming at the Technique Stadium. So far this season in the league the side have won 10, drawn 4 and lost 3.
Player to Watch
Jeff King arrived at Chesterfield from FC Halifax Town in June 2021, shortly after the right-sided wing-back had been named the Shaymen’s Player of the Year. The 26-year-old has recently committed to the club until the summer of 2024 after signing a contract extension at the end of last month.
Since arriving at the Derbyshire Club, King has established himself as an ever-present in the squad, as well as a favourite amongst Spireites supporters. Currently in his second season at the Technique Stadium, King has made over 40 appearances for the club to date. The right-back has made his presence known, and has been a key component in the clubs recent run of good form, and in the Spireites opening 15 league fixtures scored 5 goals and totalled 4 assists.
The former FC Halifax player has also previously played for the likes of Scottish side St Mirren, as well as Bolton Wanderers.
Played for Both
Lucas Covolan is a name that needs no introduction to the Yellow Army, after the goalkeeper scored a stoppage time leveller to force United’s play-off final clash against Hartlepool into extra time in June 2021. After departing Plainmoor that summer, Covolan went on to sign for Port Vale, and has this season gone out on loan to the Spireites.
Whilst Covolan will always be remembered by United supporters for his goal at Ashton Gate, the goalkeeper enjoyed two seasons at Plainmoor where he tallied over 40 appearances during his time in the English Riviera, and was a key player in United’s 2020/21 campaign.
The Brazilian shot-stopper kept 7 clean sheets in 22 appearances for the Valiants last season, and arrived at the Technique Stadium for a season-long loan in July. The 31-year-old has featured in between the sticks for Chesterfield 9 times so far this season.
A former Brazil Under-20 international, Lucas played for the likes of Atletico Paranaense, Bento Gonclaves, Toledo, Rio Branco and Union Deportivo Alaro before arriving in England and going on to feature for the likes of Whitehawk, Lewes and Worthing, before arriving at Plainmoor in May 2019.
Previous Encounter
Torquay United 2 – 0 Chesterfield, Saturday 7th May 2022, National League.
The two sides last met in United’s final home fixture of the 2021/22 campaign in front of the BT Sport Cameras at Plainmoor. A second half strike by QPR loanee Stephen Duke-McKenna, and a penalty 10 minutes from time by Armani Little saw Gary Johnson’s side run out 2-0 winners.
United seemingly were on top throughout the first half and created a number of chances on goal, with a number of saves by Chesterfield’s shot-stopper Scott Loach ensuring the game entered the interval goalless.
A competitive second half followed, with the visitors going close in the early stages after Jamie Grimes flicked a header wide of the far-post, before down the other end, Danny Wright was unable to latch onto a loose ball following good build-up play by Little and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans.
Gary Johnson’s men continued to pressure the Chesterfield defence, and in the 70th minute it was Duke-McKenna who established United’s lead. A ball out to the right hand side saw Wright pick out the QPR loanee in a more central position in the penalty area before the midfielder took aim and planted the ball into the bottom corner, 1-0.
Chances continued to come for both sides and a 40-yard Danny Rowe free-kick rattled the post midway during the second 45, but with ten minutes left on the clock it was Gary Johnson’s men who struck again. After controlling the ball well just inside the box, Little was brought down in a rash challenge, with the referee pointing to the spot. After winning the penalty, it was Little himself that stood up to send Loach the wrong way, and score his 15th of the season.
In the nine minutes of additional time, Gary Johnson’s men continued to push, and went close to making it three, after Ali Omar forced a goal-line save by Loach, and the match ended 2-0.
Torquay United v Chesterfield | Saturday 12th November 2022 3pm | National League | TICKETS | OFFICIAL TUFC RADIO