Chesterfield return to National League action on Wednesday evening when they play host to Gateshead.

The league leaders will be looking to get over the disappointment of being eliminated from the FA Cup, while the visitors will want to bounce back from their recent defeat in the fifth tier.

Match preview

For 75 minutes of their FA Cup tie at Watford, Chesterfield were on the brink of causing one of the shocks of the third round, holding a lead from the 28th minute.

However, two goals for the Hornets - the winner deep into added-on time - broke the hearts of the Spireites, who thought that they were at least in line for a lucrative replay.

Now suffering two defeats in three matches, it is unfamiliar territory for a team that have put together three prolonged winning streaks throughout 2023-24.

Nevertheless, sitting six points clear at the top of the National League table with games in hand, as well as remaining in the FA Trophy, Paul Cook's side are still sensing a potential double.

Chesterfield are also yet to lose at home in the league this season, recording wins in 11 of their 12 matches at the Venue SMH Group Stadium.

Gateshead also have ambitions for a promotion and FA Trophy double, yet they have far more work ahead of them than they hosts.

The 2-0 defeat at York City extended a run of just one win in four league fixtures, resulting in the North East outfit dropping outside of the playoff spots.

With matches in hand on the teams above them, Rob Elliot will be calm over his team's chances of moving up the table, but they must find a way to manage a hectic schedule over the next month.

Six wins have come from their 12 away fixtures in the National League, and they do not have the scars of losing to Chesterfield earlier in the campaign with this representing the first match between the sides.

Team News

After the efforts against Watford, Cook may opt to freshen up his Chesterfield XI, particularly in midfield and attack.

Mike Jones could feature in the engine room, while Michael Jacobs and Will Grigg may be selected in a creative role and down the centre of the attack respectively.

Gateshead have been dealt a significant injury blow with Ed Francis having been ruled out indefinitely with a fractured skull.

Jordan Hunter replaced him on that occasion and should be deployed in central midfield in what may be the only change as Elliot contemplates incomings to a depleted squad.

Chesterfield possible starting lineup:
Boot; Sheckleford, Palmer, Freckleton, Horton; Naylor, Jones, Mandeville; Banks, Grigg, Jacob

Gateshead possible starting lineup:
Mair; Richardson, Jobe, Storey; Lofthouse, Booty, Whelan, Hunter, Hannant; Chadwick, Dinanga

We say: Chesterfield 2-0 Gateshead

Having not lost many games this season, it remains to be seen how Chesterfield will react to suffering a couple of defeats over the Christmas and New Year period. However, we feel that Cook's side will respond with a professional performance and clean sheet to boost their promotion bid.


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