Unable to make it to an Orient game, I watched Chesterfield play Ebbsfleet on the opening day of the National League Season. They won 1-0 in a tight game settled by a penalty.
Six more fixtures have been played since then and a lot has happened – some of it consistent with my notes, some of it less so.
Nonetheless, there are some things you can only really learn about a team by watching them live for 90 minutes. These are the five things I noticed about Chesterfield at Stonebridge Road.
1. Martin Allen is a Canny Tactician
Chesterfield played defensively, absorbing attacks from Ebbsfleet and looking to strike on the counter.
They didn’t have a single shot on target in the first half, but going in 0-0 at half time suited them.
Once they had their goal they looked to shut up shop and protect their lead.
They were very effective at choking the life out of the game and made it difficult for Ebbsfleet to create chances in the final 20 minutes.
A running theme for the O’s has been that they need to take their chances. They will be made to regret it if they fail to take them against the Spireites.
2. Rock Solid Defence
Chesterfield played a standard 4-4-2, with ex-O and Captain Robbie Weir playing a deeper role in midfield.
Veteran Centre Back Michael Nelson and Will Evans make up the spine of a very solid defence who did well to limit Ebbsfleet to a handful of chances.
Fullback Drew Talbot also looked impressive defensively, but didn’t offer much going forward.
I did not see Jerome Binnom-Williams - their other first choice full back – but the Spireites have not won since he was sent off in the 3-2 defeat to Barrow.
He may return to the starting line-up against Orient once his suspension ends.
The O’s will have a fight on their hands to break down this defence. I would note that they did not deal as well with players running at them down the wings, which Orient should exploit.
3. A Dangerous Duo
Strikers Hines and Fortune are quick and skilful players who link-up well.
Fortune has scored two in the last seven games and assisted the winner in the 1-0 win over Braintree.
Zavon Hines is also dangerous at this level. He scored three in five games and assisted at least one more.
Orient’s defence need to be wary of this skilful and streetwise strike partnership.
4. More Efficient than Easy on the Eye
Sitting deep throughout the match, and waiting to strike on the counter, Chesterfield didn’t offer much going forward until Ebbsfleet left a big gap in midfield, allowing Hines and Fortune to break through to win a penalty.
After that there was no sign of hunting for more, they focussed entirely on shutting Fleet out.
Orient will need to keep tight at the back and in midfield to stop Chesterfield getting in front and shutting out Edinburgh’s men.
5. Overall Impression
This could be a challenge for the O’s, it depends which Chesterfield turn up. On their day, the Spireites are one of the most difficult teams to break down in the National League, especially at home with their first choice defence starting.
Their attack will punish any defensive lapse, and they will set themselves up to absorb pressure if they can get their noses ahead.
A point away might be looked upon as a very good result come Christmas, but all three are certainly in play given Chesterfield’s poor run of form.
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