Late-season surge puts Spireites in driving seat

ATHLETIC had better prepare themselves for a Spireites invasion this weekend.

Since winning promotion from Sky Bet League Two last May, Chesterfield have enjoyed a terrific campaign in the third tier, and after hitting form at the most opportune of stages in the season, they could seal their place in the play-offs if they win at SportsDirect.com Park.

Paul Cook’s men are flying at present, and Tuesday’s devastating 6-0 thumping of relegation candidates Colchester at the Proact Stadium highlighted just how much of a threat they are likely to be on Saturday.

In front of a bumper 6,500 crowd, Cook’s confidence-fuelled side tore the U’s apart, and should they beat Athletic and results elsewhere go for them, a top-six berth will be guaranteed.

Popular Scouser Cook was understandably buzzing following the midweek goal-fest. And he is already relishing the prospect of pitting his talented team against an Athletic side who have little to play for other than pride and a few contracts.

“Saturday’s game at Oldham is going to be great for us,” said Cook. “I imagine we’ll take one or two to the game now.

“That’s what football’s about and I enjoyed the Colchester victory. It was a great night for Chesterfield Football Club.

“Sometimes in football you can have tough days and many a manager does, and my heart went out to Tony (Humes, Colchester manager) because he’s a good guy and he’ll have gone home very disappointed.”

Cook lauded his side and encouraged the supporters to help the Spireites achieve their play-offs mission.

Cook added: “I’ve got great confidence in the squad. Tuesday was a great night for us, but that’s all it was.

“Great credit to the players, great credit to the supporters and let’s just keep believing we can get into those play-offs.”