First-team coach Gary Roberts spoke to the press ahead of the Spireites’ trip to face Crewe Alexandra on Saturday.
He began by reflecting on last Saturday’s away win over Grimsby Town, saying: “To build any foundation, it starts with clean sheets, especially away from home.
“To have a total shut-out against Grimsby at their place where they’re quite a free-flowing, attacking team, is more than pleasing and I think we ran out quite comfortably in the end.”
He then commented on Chesterfield’s league position.
“They are big points when you beat the teams around you,” he said. “We’re five points better off than where we were last season and we’ve been picking up points against teams that we dropped points against last year.
“We’re quietly pleased with how it’s going at the minute. Performance levels may have been a little bit better earlier in the season, but the points weren’t as high.
“The balance at the minute is better, we’re not playing attractively, but we’re getting results and really digging in and working hard.”
Highlighting Dilan Markanday’s form, the first-team coach said: “He’s providing everything that we wanted from him now. He’s affecting game after game. He’s getting penalties, getting assists, nicking goals.
“He’s such a good signing for the club. Great age, great person and such an important player for us.”
Speaking about injuries, he said: “Adam Lewis is back in training. Ryan Stirk and Will Grigg aren’t so far away which is really pleasing.
“Luke Butterfield is probably in that bracket too, so they’re not so far away now, which is good.”
On Crewe’s threat, Roberts added: “We know Crewe are good. We haven’t forgotten what happened earlier in the season. I know it was a cup game and there were a few changes in the team, but that (result) scarred us.
“Every time we play them it’s normally a high-scoring game. We know what’s coming, but it’s a big chance for us to go and cement our place in that top three and hopefully stay there.”
Watch the full interview here.
