Big Match Preview

League Two

Aldershot Town vs. Chesterfield

Saturday December 5, 15:00, Recreation Ground

There's a top-seven clash in League Two this weekend as Chesterfield make the long trip south to take on an Aldershot side who moved into the play-off places in midweek.

A thumping 5-2 victory at fellow high-flyers Dagenham saw the Shots move 7th in the table under new boss Kevin Dillon. The former Reading number two, in his first manager's job, replaced Gary Waddock last month after the latter's move to Wycombe.

And the Hampshire outfit have yet to taste defeat in five games under the 49-year-old, and face a replay against Tranmere for the right to play Wolves in the third round of the FA Cup.

It's been their form at the Recreation Ground which has been the bedrock of their success since returning to the Football League in 2008, and Town have suffered just a single loss on home soil so far this term.

They've also found the back of the net 21 times in their nine home matches, which is the same total of goals notched up by hotshot strikers Marvin Morgan and Louie Soares, and midfielder Scott Donnelly.

It adds up to a difficult proposition for the visitors who, despite being unbeaten at home this season, have lost six out of their nine away trips this term.

That inconsistency on the road is the reason why, ahead of Wednesday evening's game against Crewe, the Derbyshire club find themselves out of the automatic promotion positions.

Chesterfield boss John Sherdian is eyeing automatic promotion this season

Impressive wins at promotion rivals Rochdale and Bournemouth have been soured by defeats against the likes of Hereford, Bury, and Bradford - much to the frustration of boss John Sheridan.

The ex-Oldham supremo took over at Saltergate during the summer after, despite a more than competitive squad, a couple of disappointing seasons under former player Lee Richardson.

It's a team still full of attacking riches though, with Jack Lester one of the most dangerous strikers in the league, ably supported by former Sheffield Wednesday man Drew Talbot, with eight goals to his name this season.

With two sides rich in striking power, defences may well come under tough inspection on Saturday. The Spireites are inconsistent on the road, but they have the ability to win anywhere in League Two.

It's a risky one, but they may well be able to cause a surprise at an Aldershot side suffering an 'After the Lord Mayor's Show' performance and return home with all three points.

Nobes' Prediction: Aldershot Town 1 Chesterfield 2