A quick turnaround for the Spireites, who have begun their run of five games in two weeks, sees them travel to Essex to face Colchester United, who, after losing their first two games of 2025, have gone on an unbeaten run of nine whilst picking up 19 points in the process.
The U’s remain one of the hardest sides to beat in League Two, with their 32 goals conceded bettered only by Bradford City (29) and AFC Wimbledon (22).
Colchester have drawn the most games in the league (16), at least three more than any other side, so Chesterfield will travel to the JobServe Community Stadium with a tough nut to crack.
Head-to-head
Colchester gained one of their 46 points at the SMH Group Stadium back in October, with Jack Payne’s early goal enough to earn a 1-1 draw in an otherwise dominant display from Paul Cook’s men.
The U’s last beat Chesterfield over a decade ago in a 2-1 home win when a first minute strike from Sam Clucas was cancelled out by goals from Rhys Healey and Freddie Sears. This is Paul Cook’s first meeting and only loss against Colchester.
The Spireites last beat Colchester in 2016 in a 2-1 FA Cup victory at the then Weston Homes Community Stadium, with Jay O’Shea and Ched Evans on the scoresheet
The Chesterfield manager has since faced them five more times, winning four games with 16 combined goals before the draw earlier this season.
Danny Cowley
Cowley, assisted by brother Nicky, has been in charge at Colchester since January 2024 and guided them to League Two safety on the final day of last season.
Instilling the hard-to-beat nature into the side, Colchester drew ten of their final 20 games last season, and have continued in a similar nature this campaign.
With spells at Huddersfield and Portsmouth following great success at Lincoln, the Cowley brothers have gathered experience at significant clubs in the Football League on their managerial journey thus far.
Player-in-focus
Lyle Taylor joined Colchester in the summer and has led their line for the majority of this season, scoring nine goals in the process.
Taylor joined Nottingham Forest in the 2020/21 season following prolific spells with AFC Wimbledon and Charlton Athletic, and was part of the Forest side that earned promotion to the Premier League, although he never featured in the top-flight.
Now working under Cowley, the 34-year-old demonstrates the characteristics that form their tough style of play and will be looking to reach double figures for the season.
