Chesterfield FC Women travel to Loughborough Foxes Vixens on Sunday for what is arguably the biggest game of Pete Jarvis’ tenure so far.
With just three matches remaining, only a single point separates the sides at the top, and victory for either team would leave the league title within touching distance.
The hosts have won their last 10 matches in a run that stretches back to November and includes a 4-2 extra-time victory against Chesterfield in the League Cup last month.
While Chesterfield are equally imperious, with that League Cup defeat and a 1-1 draw with Mansfield being the only times they have failed to win since September.
Head-to-Head
The Spireites will be hoping to reverse their fortunes against Sunday’s opponents, having suffered defeat in both previous meetings this season.
In the League Cup, Chesterfield were seconds away from progression, leading 2-1 until stoppage time before conceding a dramatic equaliser. Loughborough eventually ran out 4-2 winners after extra-time.
The sides’ league meeting earlier in the campaign proved to be a rare setback for Jarvis’ team. Loughborough claimed a 6-0 victory at Debdale in what remains Chesterfield’s only league defeat of the season.
Amy Naylor’s controversial first-half red card ultimately changed the game at 2-0, and with a player advantage, the visitors ran away with the second-half in what was Chesterfield’s only league defeat of the season.
Ones to Watch
An interesting subplot could be the race for the Golden Boot with the league’s two leading scorers facing off against each other.
Chesterfield’s Evie Carter has hit the ground running in her first season at this level, with the former Derby County youngster netting 16 times this campaign.
Matching her tally is Loughborough’s Milly Wortley, who has enjoyed a prolific start to 2026 to reignite the race for the division’s top scorer award.
Pete Jarvis’ Thoughts
“I think the girls are in really good shape, completely injury-free at the moment, so good availability, and we are as prepared as we can be, I hope, for Sunday.
“We go to win the game. A draw will keep it in our own hands, but a win will go a very long way to securing the title and securing promotion now. That’s our aim really.
“We’re excited for it. We’re really looking forward to that. Just hope that we can get the win and get the job done.
“It’s a really important fixture for us. There’s no getting away from that. The more support that we can get, the better for this game, for sure.”
