Ebbsfleet United away preview

With the big kick off just a few days away, the Spireites look forward to the first of many trips down south, with Ebbsfleet United hosting Chesterfield. Martin Allen’s new look Chesterfield side will be hoping to make the perfect start to the club’s debut season in non league, as they hope to draw fans back to the Proact. 

As many as eight new players could make their league debut for Chesterfield, with players such as goalkeeper Shwan Jalal, defender Will Evans and midfielder Curtis Weston all expected to start. As for the players that have stayed from last season, the likes of Zavon Hines and Jerome Binnom-Williams have looked revitalised in pre-season, at times in slightly adapted roles. Hines in particular has been like a new signing, as he has enjoyed a pre season playing as a supporting striker, behind Gozie Ugwu. Allen will be hoping that his side, which includes players who are experienced in the National League, will be able to use this experience to propel the Spireites up the table.

The side that the new gaffer has put together has a more even blend of experience and youth, with youngsters such as Charlie Carter and Joe Rowley expected to provide the creative spark, whereas the likes of 38 year old Michael Nelson and National League winner Shwan Jalal are here to lead the team and use their knowledge of this division to guide the younger, less experienced players.

The Spireites go into this game having put in some good performances in pre season. Tommy Lee’s testimonial match against Wigan Athletic especially provided a good test for Town, which, in the eyes of many, Allen’s men passed. Another lively performance from Zavon Hines, as well as solid displays from Nelson, Evans and Maguire filled the Proact with confidence, something that has been lacking in the past three seasons.

As for Saturday’s opponents, Ebbsfleet United will be going into this game looking to make a statement against one of the teams expected to be in the title hunt. The Fleet narrowly missed out on the playoffs last time out, as Aldershot Town topped them by a single point. Daryl McMahon’s men will be keen to go even further this season and challenge the likes of Chesterfield, Salford and Boreham Wood. One player to look out for is midfielder Jack Payne. The creative midfielder has an eye for a pass, along with Championship experience, as he cost Peterborough United £750,000 in 2013.

Kick off is at 3PM at Stonebridge Road.