We will be mostly reserve side for tuesday nights game with the Spireites side likely to feature Michael Jordan,Alex Bailey, Janos Kovacs, Jamie Lowry, Jamie Jackson and Reuben Wiggins-Thomas plus a host of youth team players. These fixtures are very useful with the Spireites not having a reserve team it goes a long way for us to keep the first team squad on their toes.
Here's Steve Durcan with a view from the Staveley camp.
Staveley MW are hoping to avoid a similar scoreline to the one they suffered last Tuesday when Chesterfield visit Inkersall Road this week. Our pre-season programme had been going well with wins over Bolsover and Frecheville and an encouraging draw against a Sheffield United Youth side. Even the defeat against Stocksbridge was heartening as we led 2-0 against a side who play their football two levels higher in the Unibond Division One. A defensive collapse just before the break saw the visitors rattle in three goals and another in the second half brought them a 4-2 victory. Last Tuesday's match at home to Sheffield FC underlined just how much work is required if we are hoping to join them in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division next season. A 7-0 defeat could have been more embarrassing had they not fluffed a host of golden opportunities. Their seventh goal was scored with half an hour still to play and double figures looked assured.
But of course friendlies are just that. The quality of a side is often shown when something is at stake and yesterday's opening league match brought a welcome win and a clean sheet. The game turned after 26 minutes when the home keeper handled outside his area and was sent off. We scored what turned out to be the winning goal three minutes later through Robert Cam. Despite looking comfortable we allowed the Leeds-based side late possession and almost paid the price when they shaved the post four minutes from time. The victory should instil confidence for our next competitive fixture against Boston Town on Saturday in the opening round of the FA Cup. That's why this friendly against Chesterfield is important. It could be damaging for us to face Boston after a heavy defeat, while a good performance should boost confidence.
Striker Danny Bainbridge scored four times in the friendlies and is a player to watch, as is Saturday's match winner Robert Cam. Anthony Shaw impressed with the power of his shot against Yorkshire Amateur and our keeper Joel Armstrong may be recognised by eagle-eyed Spireites as he played a few games for Chesterfield four or five years ago.
The last two seasons have seen us finish mid-table but the blame lies solely with our home form. Just six victories at Inkersall Road in two years compared to fifteen on our travels underlines the fact. All said, I think we have a good enough combination of players to gain a top six finish this season. All we need is a little luck and our ground exorcised to improve our home results. I'm looking forward the Chesterfield match and know that there is great confidence floating around Saltergate following their tremendous start to the season. It's a big challenge for us and I hope we can put in a creditable display.
Enjoy the match, Steve Durcan (Staveley MW)
Incidentally it's pleasing to know that our club visit local Derbyshire grounds such as Inkersall Road for friendly fixtures and competitive ones at that which I am sure the Staveley game will be.
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