Chesterfield goalkeeper Zach Hemming spoke exclusively to 1866+ this week, discussing his time at the club so far after the opening day win and the upcoming fixtures against Cheltenham and Mansfield.
“It was good,” he said. “Being out there in front of the crowd and debuting in the league, it was good to get off the mark with a win and a clean sheet. It takes a little bit of the pressure off and it’s good to get a good start in the league.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far. My family came down last week and they’ve really enjoyed it. They like the area and kids are settled in well and they’re in Chester’s Den every day.
“I’ve really enjoyed it from day one. The lads are great and I’m really getting used to it and enjoying the training, so that’s the main thing.”
Discussing the defensive performance to keep a clean sheet against Barrow, he added: “I think the lads were terrific out there. Even the midfield and the lads up front, they were getting back and working for the team and helping defensively.
“The back four are strong and you always feel comfortable playing behind them because you never feel like you’re in doubt.
“Big ‘Dunks’ is always there for the big headers and clearances, but then you’ve got ‘Fadz’ as well, a really good defender and good on the ball.
“The lads at full-back as well, they like going forward and but are also great defenders. I think it’s a really strong team with great balance.”
The Spireites’ next two fixtures see them face Cheltenham Town on Saturday afternoon in Sky Bet League Two action, before Mansfield Town visit the SMH Group Stadium on Tuesday evening for a Carabao Cup first round tie.
Looking ahead to the games, Hemming said: “In training at the minute it’s more just work on how we want to play rather than how the opposition want us to play. If we take the game to any team in the league, I think we’ll be right up there.
“Like the gaffer says, if we get beat in one game then just shake hands and go on to the next one, because some teams might just sit in and it’ll be hard for us, but we’ve just got to stick with it and play how we want to.”
With Mansfield visiting on Tuesday evening, he said: “It’s always nice to play in a derby game, it’ll be a great crowd and atmosphere. A few of my family will be coming down to watch it as well.
“If we get on the winning side, it’ll set us up well for the season and hopefully we can kick on from that.”
Finally, he commented on the level of support he’s felt so far: “It was great to see so many people there on Saturday – all four stands were full. It was great support and hopefully it will be the same on Saturday and throughout the whole season.”
Listen to a full in-depth interview in the build-up to Saturday’s fixture against Cheltenham on 1866 Sport, with coverage beginning at 2pm.
