Getting to know the opposition: Notts County

Bragging rights will be on the line during tonight’s encounter with 30 miles separating the Spireites and Notts County.

Following similar fates, both clubs offer an almost identical recent history, having been in the Football League for many years before finding themselves stumbling down the footballing ladder. Given the size and magnitude of both outfits, it comes as no surprise that Chesterfield and County are collectively pushing for promotion this season.  

As the standout clash during the week, the Spireites will have a true test on their hands as they seek to end the Magpies’ five-game unbeaten streak.

League Standing Comparisons

ClubLeague PositionWinsDrawsLossesGoals ForGoals AgainstPoints
Chesterfield FC2nd16104532958
Notts County7th1576523052

Six points may split the two sides as we head into the midweek meeting; however, the Spireites have scored only a single goal more than County, and have also only conceded a goal less – having played two games more than Ian Burchnall’s men.

As Notts have played two games less than Chesterfield, the meeting between these two holds even greater importance, as the Blues look to solidify their spot towards the top end of the play-offs, whilst also holding onto their title-winning aspirations. 

Three points for the Meadow Lane outfit and they could find themselves jumping as high as into fourth position. 

Statistical Breakdown

Chesterfield FCClubNotts County
1.77Goals Per Game1.86
0.97Goals Conceded Per Games1.07
14Clean Sheets8
Southend United (A) 0-4Biggest WinBarnet FC (H) 6-1
Woking FC (A) 3-1Biggest LossWoking FC (H) 1-4

Crunching the numbers down between these two, the most eye-catching statistic will be that County have scored a higher number of goals per game, despite sitting lower in the standings and having scored less goals in total. 

Where County come out stronger for goals scored, the Spireites offer a greater record in relation to goals conceded this season. Chesterfield have conceded less than a goal per game, whilst County sit slightly above the one goal per game average. Additionally, Chesterfield’s defensive display so far this campaign shines through having kept 14 clean sheets, which is six better than Notts.

Equally, the curse for both sides this season has been Woking; the 16th placed outfit managed to put in stellar performances after putting both Chesterfield and Notts County to the sword.

The Magpies documented their best win of the season earlier this month with a 6-1 victory over Barnet. Cruising past their North London opponents, Elisha Sam managed to bag a brace in a game where Callum Roberts, Ruben Rodrigues, Kyle Wootton, and Matthew Palmer all added their names to the standout result. 

Head-to-Head Record 

Home SideResult
(Date)
Away Side
Notts County3-2
(5th June 2021)
Chesterfield FC
Notts County0-1 
(20th February 2021)
Chesterfield FC
Chesterfield FC2-3
(21st November 2020)
Notts County
Notts County3-0
(1st February 2020)
Chesterfield FC
Chesterfield FC0-1
(14th December 2019)
Notts County

As the two are meeting for the first time this season, this means that the last encounter between the two rivals came in the play-off quarter final in June 2021. Only one spot and one point divided the two as they headed into the post-season competition. 

The one-legged play-off ended in dramatic fashion after the Spireites took the lead on two separate occasions. Pegged back by a determined County, the comeback would be complete in stoppage time when Mark Ellis netted from close range. It was a crushing blow for Chesterfield, who have a chance to seek revenge. 

A nail-biting end to a dramatic campaign highlighted the close natured battles that had been fought out between the Spireites and Magpies last season.

Scoring two stoppage-time goals in this fixture last season, County would overcome a 2-1 deficit in the dying embers of the game to seal all three points as Rodrigues and Wootton grabbed the all-important goals after Tom Denton thought he had won the game for Chesterfield with 12 minutes left on the clock. 

Burchnall’s side may had drawn first blood in the meetings last season; however, Chesterfield tasted victory in the reverse fixture at Meadow Lane. In another close encounter, Gavin Gunning scored the only goal of the game in the 32nd minute. 

By Sam Plummer