After a great start to the League Two season, it was a disappointing midweek outing for the Spireites on the road against Gillingham, succumbing to a 4-1 defeat to Gareth Ainsworth’s side.
Harrogate have also enjoyed a positive first few games, with their only defeat so far coming in a 3-1 Carabao Cup loss to League One outfit Lincoln City.
With two wins and two draws under their belt, Simon Weaver’s side will be eager to get more points on the board and build on their position of 18th in League Two last campaign.
In the spotlight
Conor McAleny joined the Sulphurites in the summer after four years at Salford City. He made the switch over the Pennines following the conclusion of his contract with the Ammies, and has amassed over 300 appearances in English football after coming through Everton’s youth system.
He brings a wealth of experience to North Yorkshire, with 38 League Two goals in 164 appearances, bolstering Harrogate’s front line as they look to push for promotion to the third tier for the first time in their history.
The gaffer’s record
Paul Cook’s first experience of Harrogate came with the Spireites last campaign. After a cruel 2-1 away defeat in November, the return fixture saw the sides play out a 0-0 draw amidst a run of one defeat in 13 games for Chesterfield.
After collecting just one point out of six last season, the Chesterfield manager will be exploring every avenue to grab his first win over Harrogate.
Man in the middle
Steven Copeland has handed out 564 yellow cards over 261 games, as well as 41 dismissals.
The Spireites have won six of the 13 matches that he has overseen, most notably the title-winning 3-1 victory over Boreham Wood in 2024.
He has refereed ten Harrogate games, with the Sulphurites taking four wins, four losses and two draws.
Paul Cook’s pre-match thoughts
“It’s a big game. If we go there get back and on the horse it’ll be a great start. Obviously if not, it just becomes a little bit lesser, so we’re under no illusions as to how tough it’ll be at Harrogate tomorrow.
“We took one point off them last year. They’re a very difficult side to play against. They’re very well set up, well organised, well coached and run and work hard.
“They’ve got great qualities in the team that every football team needs to have.”
