“We have got to be ready”

Manager James Rowe gave his thoughts ahead of the Spireites’ Emirates FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie away at Curzon Ashton.

He praised their start to the season which sees the Nash currently fifth in the National League North table. His opposite number, Steve Cunningham, also won the Manager of the Month award for September.

Speaking to the media, he said: “They’ve performed really well this year. They are probably punching above their weight in terms of their position.

“I know they lost their last one, but before that they hadn’t lost for quite some time. The pitch looks lovely there so that should suit us.

“I’ve been in many of these ties before. They are going to come for us, and we have got to be ready.

“They are in a good position in their league, and we are in a good position in ours. I’m really excited to see the Cup tie.

“It’s nice to have a little break from the league and have a right go here in a one-off. It’s a good test of our character as well.”

Chesterfield are no strangers to a run in the FA Cup, reaching the semi-finals back in 1997. Rowe is firstly wanting to get in the hat for Sunday’s draw before looking ahead.

Rowe said: “Of course, we want a Cup run, and we will be giving it our utmost tomorrow to win the game. Everyone loves a Cup run.

“You can draw anyone up to League One in the next round. The financial outlay that you receive for winning is big too for our club. I want to do the best as the leader of the club to make sure we get in the hat.”

Fraser Kerr, Curtis Weston and Saidou Khan were all forced off due to injury during the 4-0 win over Southend United last weekend.

Rowe gave an update on the trio, saying: “[Fraser] is okay. He had some time off training; he needed a little rest. He’s available for selection tomorrow.

“We just got Curtis’ scan back and it’s not good news. He’ll be out for a lengthy period of time – six to seven weeks.

“The same with Saidou as well; the exact same timeframe. Two more injuries. We can’t account for them though. They’re not muscle injuries, they’re challenges.

“Saidou’s tweaked his knee – a ligament. Curtis has a slight tear in his ankle. We can’t mess around with that. There’s nothing we can do.”

A reminder that full commentary on the match will be available on 1866 Sport.