Chesterfield and Barnet renew acquaintances today in a game that could see either side in the League Two play-offs come full time.
Paul Cook’s side are just a point from the play-offs after Kyle McFadzean’s added time half-volley secured a point away at Cambridge United in midweek.
The Bees had drawn five league games in a row before Tuesday when they beat Bristol Rovers 4-0.
In the Spotlight
Adam Senior joined Barnet in the summer from National League club FC Halifax Town, where he impressed in his two years in Yorkshire.
So far this season, the defender has not only contributed to seven league clean sheets, but he has also made an impact at the other end.
The 23-year-old has also got on the scoresheet five times and sits second in the club’s goalscoring charts.
Senior mainly operates as a centre-back but can also help out at both full-back spots.
The gaffer’s record
Paul Cook has a favourable record against Saturday’s opponents and will be looking to extend that in his 11th meeting with Barnet.
The current Chesterfield manager has won six of his previous ten games against the Bees, drawing once and lost three times.
He guided his side to a double against Dean Brennan’s outfit in the 2023/24 season – a 4-2 home triumph and a 2-0 away win against their closest title rivals.
Man in the middle
Saturday will mark the first time that Peter Wright will have refereed a match including either Chesterfield or Barnet.
He has been the man in the middle for 16 games this season across League One, League Two, the National League, the FA Cup and the Vertu Trophy.
In 346 games as a referee, Wright has handed out 918 yellow cards, 36 red cards and has awarded 80 spot-kicks.
Gary Roberts’ thoughts
“We’ve got so much respect for them, they’ve come through the leagues with us, and we know the manager really well.
“They always go again for the second or third goal and they’ve been like that since day one. They’ve got good players and they’ve got a little bit of experience especially at the top end.”
