The Spireites travel to Buxton, of the National League North, in the third round of the Derbyshire Senior Challenge Cup this evening.
Buxton are the current holders of the Derbyshire Senior Challenge Cup and also became the most successful team in the competition, winning for a record 12th time last season after a 5-0 win over Heanor Town in the final.
The Bucks sit sixth in the National League North, in the play-off positions, winning six of their last eight games.
Notable wins include a 3-2 victory away at second-placed Scunthorpe and a 7-1 win at home to Needham Market.
Former Spireite Diego De Girolamo is currently in his fourth season at Buxton and the striker has netted three goals in 11 appearances so far this season.
Manager – John McGrath
The Buxton manager, who was appointed in the summer, has improved the club’s 14th placed finish from 2023/24 in the National League North and as they now sit in sixth place.
The Irishman played for his national team at U21 level and made five appearances in 2000.
McGrath spent his youth career at Aston Villa but spent the longest time at Burton Albion where he made over 200 appearances, earning promotion to League Two in 2009 and he went on to captain the side.
Player-in-focus
Cian Coleman is on loan at Buxton from Championship outfit Leeds United, having joined in October 2024.
Coleman has made eight appearances this season as a defensive midfielder for Buxton. The Irishman has had an impressive return of goals during his loan spell, including a hat-trick in the 3-2 win over Scunthorpe on November 9 and a brace in the 7-1 win against Needham Market.
