After four wins on the bounce, Hartlepool United head to promotion rivals Chesterfield on Monday for a Bank Holiday clash (3pm kick-off).
The Lowdown
After the opening day defeat to Barnet, things have gone as well as could be imagined for Pools. Four wins in a row is their longest run since 2021, with Gateshead, Maidenhead, Southend, and Fylde all swept aside by John Askey's side. They sit top of the pile after the first five games, but there's a long way to go in the 2023/24 season.
Chesterfield were the early-season favourites and they're currently fourth in the league, two points behind Pools. They've won three of their five games this season, defeating Dorking, Fylde, and Oxford City before subsequently drawing with Oldham Athletic and losing to Altrincham.
Paul Cook is in the hotseat, and his side features the experienced Will Grigg in attack and Laurence Maguire in defence, brother of EURO 2020 finalist Harry.
Two Pools legends have appeared for both sides. Our record appearance holder, Ritchie Humphreys made 66 appearances for Chesterfield, while Gary Liddle had a spell with the Spireites in 2016.
The History
There have been 95 previous matches between the sides, with Pools winning 38 times, Chesterfield winning 42 times, and 15 matches ending in a draw. Pools haven't lost a competitive match with the Spireites since 2014, and last time out, Pools won 3-1 thanks to first-half goals from Rhys Oates and Armstrong either side of a Josef Yarney own goal. Former Poolie Fraser Kerr got Chesterfield's goal in the second half.
Team News
Josh Umerah is free to rejoin the squad after serving a three-match suspension, and it might come just in time after Chris Wreh came off early against Fylde with a hamstring strain. Dan Dodds and Charlie Seaman also picked up bumps, with Askey hopeful that both will be available for the trip. Oliver Finney will be in contention after recovering from his injury.
How to Follow
If you're not part of the bumper crowd heading to Chesterfield, you can follow the action via National League TV. Match passes cost £9.50 and grant you access to all streamed fixtures on that given day. All the information is available here.