“We need your support”

Top of the table Chesterfield welcome second-placed FC Halifax Town to the Technique Stadium on Tuesday afternoon (3pm) and manager James Rowe has called for supporters to get behind his players as they return to action following a lay-off.

Rowe is treating the fixture like any other, saying: “From the outside in it looks like a huge game. From inside these four walls, it’s just another game for us on the journey to where we want to be.

“Nothing will be won or lost terms of the end league positions. It’s come to first and second at this stage, but they’ve played a game extra.

“They’re a technical team; they want to try and build through the thirds. The manager has done a really good job there in terms of recruiting well and getting the team to challenge.

“He’ll be really disappointed with their finish last year. They will be looking to at least get a play-off spot this year.”

The festive season usually attracts bumper crowds and Rowe is hoping for one at the Technique Stadium.

He said: “There should be a healthy crowd here. We’ve got to come together and really get the team over the line.

“We need your support. The lads haven’t played for 17 days so we might need some energy from the stands.”

The Spireites have struggled with injuries throughout this season, but Rowe believes there is some light is at the end of the tunnel with a group of players set to return.

“I said our players that have been injured for a sustained period of time will be coming back in the New Year. We are still on track for that.

“We will look very healthy after the King’s Lynn game. A couple might return tomorrow and then a sprinkle again against King’s Lynn.

“We’ll be fully fit going into the Chelsea game and after that, Maidenhead. We’re really looking forward to seeing the players back.”