The Fleet host title favourites Chesterfield at the Kuflink Stadium this Saturday with a high expected turnout from both sets of supporters. With both sides beginning an intense run of fixtures in the coming weeks, the Fleet – with Dominic Poleon returning from international duty – will be itching to bounce back from the reverse at Wealdstone but Chesterfield will be a tough challenge.
Form guide
Chesterfield are currently second on goal difference at the top of the National League with six wins out of a possible eight, suffering only one defeat. Saturday’s visitors have claimed three wins on the bounce against Hartlepool United, Aldershot Town and Dagenham & Redbridge. The Spireites have yet to keep a clean sheet this season, however, conceding 15 goals whilst firing on goal 22 times. Though the Fleet have scored less than Chesterfield, they have also conceded less, keeping three clean sheets along the way.
Head-to-head
The Fleet have yet to beat Chesterfield in four previous meetings. The first clash came on the opening day of the 2018/19 season when the Spireites were relegated to the fifth tier – Zavon Hines the only player on the scoresheet when he converted from the penalty spot. The reverse fixture at Chesterfield was likely the most memorable of the two clubs’ meetings – by half-time the Fleet were ahead 3-0 but an inspiring turnaround by the hosts saw them fight back to level the field in the dying minutes through defender Will Evans. But further drama was to come during injury time when home ‘keeper Callum Burton was shown a red card and the Fleet were awarded a penalty in the 100th minute. However, Michael Cheek had his spot kick saved by none other than the stand-in goalkeeper… Evans!
Who’s who
On loan from Everton’s youth ranks, Harry Tyrer joined the Spireites this summer having spent a previous loan spell at Chester last season. Featuring in every match this season, the young keeper has yet to keep a clean sheet for Chesterfield but is keeping experienced Ryan Boot out of the starting lineup currently. Former Solihull defender Tyrone Williams has represented Chesterfield 56 times in all competitions since his debut in November 2021. Before making his move to Solihull, where he had spent three years, he played for Kidderminster Harriers. Subject to team selections on Saturday, Williams could make his 200th professional football appearance.
Probably one of the biggest summer signings in the National League this season, Northern Ireland international Will Grigg made the move to non-league having spent the majority of his footballing career in the EFL. His most successful spell was at Wigan Athletic, making a total of 133 appearances with 53 goals along the way. Landing on the scoresheet four times this season, he will hope to continue terrifying National League defences.
Darren Oldaker last came face-to-face with the Fleet in the 2021/22 promotion final playing for Dorking Wanderers while defender Miguel Freckleton is new in recently, on loan from Sheffield United.
The manager
Successful former Wigan and Portsmouth manager, Paul Cook is in his second managerial spell at Chesterfield having joined in 2022 after a three-year spell from 2012–15, where he won promotion from League Two with the club. Not only an experienced manager but also as a player, he made a total of 643 appearances as a central midfielder during a 23-year long career.
Club connections
Current Chesterfield captain Jamie Grimes made 33 appearances for the Fleet back in the 2019/20 season. After his departure from the Kuflink, he made the move to Hereford where he then signed for Chesterfield in 2021, making 89 appearances since his debut.
Centre-back Ash Palmer might not ring any bells with Fleet fans but his late goal for Stockport in our final home game before the Covid lockdown robbed us of a precious point that season that proved fateful in the eventual PPG outcome for 2019/20.
Fleet defender Haydn Hollis knows a thing or two about Saturday’s opposition, having spent four years at the club before making the move to Ebbsfleet last season. He scored for the Spireites the last time they visited the Fleet in a 2-2 draw here in 2019. He’s featured in our matchday programme Fleet Review, available to purchase and reserve here.
Tickets
Tickets can be bought online here until kick-off (the match is segregated so please select HOME or AWAY options as necessary) and also on the day at our ticket windows. Car-parking is available for the special matchday price of £3 at Ebbsfleet International Car Park C. Programmes can be pre ordered online with your ticket or from our online shop here. In the ground, you can purchase in the club shop, just past the main home turnstiles, at the Plough End social club and for away fans in the Old Sponsors Lounge/portakabin bar.
Supporters are reminded that alcohol will not be permitted to be consumed within view of the pitch and that matches will be segregated as required at the Swanscombe End (or the far end of it). Please cooperate with the instructions of our security team and stewards.
