Match preview: Barnet (a)

The Spireites are hoping to bounce back from three games without a win by beating second-placed Barnet.

A win for Paul Cook’s side would move them 23 points clear at the top of the National League.

Here’s everything you need to know…

Match Details

Date: Tuesday, February 27, 2023

Opponents: Barnet

Kick-off: 7:45pm

Competition: Vanarama National League

Location: The Hive

Live Radio Commentary

Our in-house radio station, 1866 Sport, will provide exclusive full match commentary on the game, as well as pre and post-match analysis.

Don’t forget that 1866 Sport is on air 24-hours a day, seven days a week!

You can download the app from the Apple Store here:https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/1866-sport/id1580041321

If you’re an Android user, you can download the app here:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.radio.ma57501030

Alternatively, you can listen online here: https://streaming.radio.co/s47db4a4f3/listen

It is also available via Alexa.

Our dedicated matchday show is sponsored by National Windscreens and will see commentator Phil Tooley joined by a special co-commentator.

Social Media

You can follow the action on our Twitter page (https://twitter.com/ChesterfieldFC), where we will provide regular updates.

Key news and moments will also be posted onto our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Pre/post-match interviews and highlights will be posted to our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6hnRkCdElagLJlOqlgukPA) throughout the weekend.

The Opposition

Name: Barnet Football Club

Nickname: The Bees

Founded: 1888

Stadium: The Hive

Capacity: 6,500

Manager: Dean Brennan

Honours:

Conference Premier Champions | 1990/91, 2004/05 & 2014/15

Southern League Division One Champions | 1965/66 & 1976/77

Conference League Cup Winners | 1988/89

Southern League Cup Winners | 1971/72

FA Amateur Cup Winners | 1945/46

On Dean Brennan

Dean Brennan began his managerial career in 2010, whilst still playing for Hemel Hempstead Town, taking caretaker charge of the club. He became permanent manager after his playing career ended in 2012, spending six years with the Tudors. Spells at Billericay Town, Kingstonian and Wealdstone followed before the Irishman became manager of Barnet in 2021. With the club struggling, Brennan has since turned the Bees around with them currently in second place in the National League as well as in the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy.

One to watch

Callum Stead is Barnet’s second top goalscorer after Nicke Kabamba – who is currently out with an injury. The versatile attacking midfielder can also play up front if needed. Despite limited game time, the former Brackley man could be vital to the Bees’ promotion push. Stead has four goals in his last four outings.

This season in numbers:

Appearances – 30

Goals – 9

Yellow Cards – 2

Red Cards – 0

Minutes Played – 1,397

Played for both

Jordan Cropper joined the Spireites on loan from Burnley in January 2020. He was a big part of the Blues’ survival push – scoring his first professional goal in the 2-1 victory against Chorley. Cropper re-joined Chesterfield on loan the following season; making 12 appearances and scoring two goals before being recalled by Burnley at the start of 2021.

The right-back moved to Barnet on loan from Grimsby Town in March 2023 – after winning the National League play-offs with the Mariners. Cropper was released from his contract at Grimsby at the end of the 2022/23 season before joining Barnet permanently last October.

View from the dugout

Danny Webb said: “I think it’s probably the most disappointing result of the last three games. To be two-nil up and not see it out at home was really disappointing; we know that.

“Hopefully we can put that right at Barnet on Tuesday. We know the goals we conceded weren‘t good enough and a quick turnaround on Tuesday allows us to try and put that right.”