Martin Allen pre Dover: "Hard work is the only way forward."

Ahead of Saturday’s home fixture with Dover Athletic, Chesterfield manager Martin Allen has been speaking to Spire Media. This week has seen the Spireites continue their poor form with Tuesday’s loss to Boreham Wood making it six losses in a row. Midfielder Jordan Sinnott has also been allowed to leave the club this week, with Allen recognising first team chances may be hard to come by for the 24 year old.

“We’ve got many options, young players, who all play in a similar position to Jordan. We just thought it would be best for Jordan to go out and get some first team football.

“I wish Jordan all the very best of luck.”

Tuesday night saw Chesterfield lose for the sixth consecutive time, as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Boreham Wood. Allen cited a lack of chances created as the main cause for concern.

“I thought we dominated the second half, but we probably didn’t create enough open chances. We didn’t take the chances that we did have.

“There were a couple of decisions from the referee. One in particular, I thought was a penalty, but wasn’t given.

“We didn’t get the goals that we wanted, so there are definitely some things to work on.”

The Spireites are now on a run of four consecutive 1-0 losses, and the Chesterfield manager puts this down to lacking in attacking areas.

“Sometimes the build up has seen some good passing, but when you get to the final third you’ve got to have that creativity and a bit of magic.

“Most teams do come here and play five at the back, which does make it difficult.”

This week also gave new striker Lee Shaw his first start since joining the club. The 24 year old joined the Spireites with an impressive goal record in non league, scoring 61 times in the last two seasons for Grantham.

“He’s buzzing every day, full of energy!

“He doesn’t just want to play with the ball he wants to play without the ball, defending from the front.

“I think now is the time to unleash him.”

During Allen’s talk with Spire Media he highlighted poor decision making, poor set pieces and costly individual errors as the main reasons for the drop in form.

Following back to back relegations, Allen has praised the fans for their loyalty and passion, and promises that a change in fortune is to come.

“Back to back relegations are hard on anyone’s sporting life.

“It hasn’t happened straight away, but we will turn it around.

“We can’t sit around and feel sorry for ourselves. Hard work is the only way forward.”

As for Saturday the Spireites will take on Dover Athletic. The Whites go into this fixture sitting in 23^rd place in the National League, having picked up just one win so far. Amongst their squad is Chesterfield fullback George Smith, who recently signed on loan.

“Every game we play is going to be a hard game. My main concern at the moment is getting a good performance from our team and making it a good game.”

As for injury concerns Allen says that Zavon Hines has a trouble with his knee and is a doubt for Saturday.