The Spireites will host Shrewsbury Town on Saturday afternoon, in what will be their second fixture at the SMH Group Stadium this week.
Paul Cook’s side bounced back from their defeat at Barnet last Saturday with an emphatic 3-0 win over Colchester United in mid-week, moving back into the play-off positions.
Shrewsbury recently went on a five-game winning run, which steered them clear of the relegation zone, but that streak was ended in their last fixture, as Walsall claimed all three points at the Croud Meadow.
In the Spotlight
Striker Iwan Morgan joined Shrewsbury in the January transfer window, on loan from Brentford for the remainder of the season.
The Welsh forward had a slow start to life in Shropshire, failing to score or assist in his first seven appearances, Morgan has appeared to have found his feet, scoring three in his last five.
The 19-year-old’s most notable came last time out against Walsall, scoring a direct free-kick from over 30 yards.
The gaffer’s record
Paul Cook has faced Shrewsbury on six occasions during his managerial career, winning twice, drawing three and losing just once.
The reverse fixture in December saw Cook’s Spireites return to Derbyshire with all three points, thanks to a second-half strike from Lee Bonis.
The other victory came in 2021, during Cook’s time at Ipswich, in which his side won 2-1 in a game that featured ex-Spireite Sam Morsy at Portman Road.
Man in the middle
Alan Dale will officiate this fixture, assisted by Drew Dutton, Kenwyn Hughes and fourth official, David Rock.
The majority of Dale’s experience is in the National League, amassing 114 career appearances in the fifth tier.
It has been five years since Dale last took charge of a game involving the Spireites, and it will also be his first game at the SMH Group Stadium.
Paul Cook’s thoughts
“I think first and foremost, when there’s a change in manager, there’s also a change in identity and philosophy. Football’s always been about winning, and Gavin (Cowan) has come in with his own style.
“They have low possession, possibly the lowest in the division. In terms of expected goals of teams against them, no team has scored above one, which means they give up very few chances, and since he has come in, he would have them top of the league.
“The key message tomorrow is patience and belief. We’ve got a 90-minute tough test against a team that will come here clearly comfortable in what they’re doing, backed up by very strong results.”
