“We are expecting a tough challenge”

Ahead of the home game against Boreham Wood on Tuesday (7.45pm), Spireites midfielder Tom Whelan spoke about how tough the Hertfordshire side are to break down.

He said: “Last time we played them, it was a cagey game. It wasn’t one for entertainment. It might pan out a bit differently tomorrow, but we are expecting a tough challenge.

“They are hard to break down and we found that out the last time. It was a tough game and there wasn’t many chances.

“Games like tomorrow is when we would probably need [fans] when it’s a tough game. It is at home; we can use them to our advantage.

“Tomorrow is going to be a totally different game because we are playing against somebody who have a chance of the play-offs.”

Whelan joined Chesterfield from Weymouth in November and has become an instant fans’ favourite with his style of play and knack of popping up with goals.

The midfielder talked about what James Rowe expects from him and the goals he sets himself at the start of a season.

“He wants us to work hard and run hard for the team, that’s the minimum. If you can chip in with a few goals and assists as well, that obviously always helps.

“I normally set myself double figures, so ten. I got three at Weymouth and now five here so I’m two off from my target.”

The 25-year-old has been an integral part of Rowe’s side as they have leapt up the National League table and into the play-off places.

Whelan spoke about what the aim was when coming in and what it is now, saying: “I came in a game later than the gaffer and at that time it was just stay up. We’ll see what happens next year.

“But now, we’re in the play-offs and it’s exciting stuff. We’ve just got to make sure we stay in there and finish as high as possible.”