After a two-week break from competitive football, Chesterfield return to action this Saturday looking to bounce back from two consecutive defeats when they host Peterborough United at the Proact Stadium.

The Posh’s visit provides yet another tough task for Danny Wilson’s side following meetings with two relegated Championship sides (Wigan Athletic and Millwall) in successive weeks.
But Wilson believes their break in action came at the right time: “I think we’ve used our time well. We’ve trained hard and prepared while also having a rest, which is important. The chances to let the lads get their legs at this stage of the season are few and far between, so I’ve been pleased with it.”

A 2-2 draw away to Premier League West Bromwich Albion last weekend highlighted Peterborough’s ability as they look to add to their cup run by pushing into the League 1 play-off spots, which they trail by only three points.

Understandably judging by the League table, tomorrow’s opposition are favourites with division sponsors SkyBet making Peterborough 5/4 for victory compared to Chesterfield’s 2/1.
But could the anticipation of a replay with top flight opposition next Tuesday prove a distraction for Graham Westley’s side? Fellow manager Danny Wilson doesn’t believe so:

“I don’t expect so. Of course they’ll be lifted by that performance, but two games are never the same. I’m sure the staff there will be trying to keep feet on the ground and say this is a different game.”

Westley lost striker Conor Washington to Queens Park Rangers during the recent transfer window, but was quick to replace him with Exeter City man Tom Nichols who scored in the Grecians’ draw with Liverpool this season and was also named man of the match.

Similarly, it was a busy deadline day for the Chesterfield boss as he responded to the sale of captain Sam Morsy by bringing in a trio of players – Gary Liddle, Tom Anderson and Spireites supporter Conor Dimaio – who could receive debuts on Saturday due to the increasingly stretched nature of the squad with Ian Evatt and Charlie Raglan joining the injury list this week.

Wilson explained: “Everyone knew if Sam Morsy left then we needed replacements to fill the void, and that happened.”

In a final word to preview tomorrow’s game, the Chesterfield boss said: “The football (Peterborough) have been playing is very good and they got a very well deserved draw against West Brom. That in itself suggests it’ll be a tough game for us, if they’re on top of their game they’ll expect to win. But similarly, if we’re on top of our game then we’ll expect to win. There’s not a great deal between the teams in our division and if you can hit your top levels then you’ve always got a chance.”