MATCH PREVIEW | CHESTERFIELD

The Bees hit the road again this Saturday as they travel to the SMH Group Stadium to take on Paul Cook’s Chesterfield in Matchday Five on the Sky Bet League Two Campaign.

Barnet:

Barnet were held to a 1-1 draw away at Exeter City, extending their unbeaten run on the road.

The Bees started slowly but grew into the game, with Danny Collinge having a spectacular bicycle kick ruled out for offside.

Matthew Cox was also called into action several times to keep Exeter at bay, producing some impressive stops to keep the Bees in the game.

Barnet took the lead just after the hour mark when Kabongo Tshimanga’s shot was saved, allowing Idris Kanu to react quickest and score his first goal of the season.

Exeter responded and levelled through Recee Cole, who turned home a cross from the right.

Barnet pushed for a winner late on, with Will Wright and Adam Senior going close, while Exeter also had a late goal ruled out for offside.

Neither side could find a decisive goal, and the points were shared in a competitive encounter.

Barnet’s Last Five Results:

Exeter City 1-1 Barnet FC – Sky Bet League Two

Barnet FC 2-2 Cheltenham Town – Sky Bet League Two

Shrewsbury Town 1-3 Barnet FC – Sky Bet League Two
Barnet FC 5-1 Arsenal U21s – EFL Trophy
Barnet FC 3-1 Salford City – Sky Bet League Two

Chesterfield:

Chesterfield were held to a 1-1 draw by Gillingham after a second-half equaliser denied the Spireites all three points.

The hosts started brightly, with Lewis Gordon going close early on before Josh Koroma opened his League Two account for Chesterfield. A well-worked move involving Dilan Markanday and Liam Mandeville allowed Koroma to calmly slot the ball into the bottom corner.

Chesterfield dominated the first half and created several chances to extend their lead, with Markanday proving a constant threat and forcing a number of saves from Gillingham goalkeeper Oliver Wright.

The Spireites continued to control possession after the break, but Gillingham struck against the run of play when Ronan Hale’s deflected effort found the back of the net.

Chesterfield pushed for a late winner, with Mandeville forcing another save and a series of corners creating pressure in the closing stages. However, they could not find a second goal and had to settle for a point.

Chesterfield’s Last Five Results:

Chesterfield 1-1 Gillingham – Sky Bet League Two

Rotherham 2-1 Chesterfield – Sky Bet League Two

Salford City 0-1 Chesterfield – Sky Bet League Two

Chesterfield 0-1 Fleetwood Town – Sky Bet League Two

Fleetwood Town 1-0 Chesterfield – Carabao Cup

In the Dugout:

Chesterfield’s manager Paul Cook will be in the dugout for the Spireites this Saturday with his assistant Danny Webb alongside him.

During his first spell, Cook guided Chesterfield to the League Two title in 2013/14, before leading the club to the League One play-offs the following season. He returned to the club in 2022 and quickly rebuilt the side, taking Chesterfield to the National League play-offs in his first full season.

Cook’s biggest achievement of his second spell came in 2023/24, when he led Chesterfield to the National League title and promotion back to the EFL after a six-year absence. The Spireites finished with a club-record 98 points and 106 league goals.

His personal highlights at Chesterfield include winning two league championships, reaching the League One play-offs, and overseeing the club’s long-awaited return to the Football League. With more than 270 games managed across his two spells, Cook has firmly established himself as a key figure in the history of the Spireites.

One to Watch:

Experienced defender Kyle McFadzean will be a test for the Bees attack this Saturday.

McFadzean is a key figure in the Chesterfield side, bringing leadership, strength and plenty of experience to the Spireites’ backline.

The centre-back returned to Chesterfield in 2024, more than a decade after first leaving the club. He was part of the Chesterfield side that won promotion to the Championship in 2014 and has since enjoyed a long career in the EFL, making more than 400 professional appearances.

Now back at the SMH Group Stadium, McFadzean’s experience and composure make him an important player for Paul Cook’s side, particularly when dealing with the physical demands of League Two football.

Previous Meeting:

Barnet secured a 1-0 victory over Chesterfield in their previous meeting, with Nnamdi Ofoborh scoring the decisive goal in the 65th minute.

The first half was closely contested, with both sides creating opportunities. Chesterfield started brightly, but Barnet grew into the game and came close through Danny Collinge, who struck the crossbar, while Kabongo Tshimanga also went narrowly wide.

The Bees eventually broke the deadlock when Ben Winterburn found Ofoborh inside the box, and the midfielder fired a powerful finish into the roof of the net.

Chesterfield pushed for an equaliser, but Barnet defended resolutely and goalkeeper Cieran Slicker made an important save to preserve the lead, as the Bees went on to secure all the three points against the Spireites.

Dean Brennan will be eager for his side to continue their unbeaten run in the league, focusing on getting back to winnings way and push higher up the league two table.

Chesterfield v Barnet FC
Saturday 5th September
SMH Group Stadium
Kick-off: 3pm
Come on you Bees!