Chesterfield now start their season season under the lights at the Technique Stadium after Saturday’s fixture away at Wealdstone was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
The Opposition
Dave Challinor’s side started their season with three points as they condemned Aldershot Town to a 2-1 defeat. Pools’ longest serving player Nicky Featherstone put his side ahead from the penalty spot, before the Shots pulled it back to 1-1 just after the hour mark. Four minutes from time Gavan Holohan found the back of the net to secure an opening day victory for Hartlepool.
Challinor took over at Victory Park midway through last season and guided them to 9th place before the curtain was brought on the season.
He has never finished a full season outside the play-off places, so he will be looking for a top seven finish this time around.
One-To-Watch
Gavan Holahan- The Irishman started his career in the youth setup at his hometown-club Kilkenny City before making the move to Hull City in 2008. He spent the next four years with the Tigers before signing his first professional contract with Alfreton Town. The midfielder didn’t make any appearances for the Derbyshire side and was released the following season. Holahan moved back to his native country and signed for Drogheda United where he made 31 appearances, scoring 6 goals. He spent time at Cork City, Galway United and Waterford before joining Hartelpool in 2019. The 28-year-old found the back of the net nine times last season and got off the mark on Saturday with an 86th minute header.
Previous Meetings
Chesterfield travelled to Victory Park in September last season seeking their first away win, but only managed to claim a point when Tom Denton scored the equaliser to make it 1-1.
Last season’s home fixture against Hartlepool is one that Chesterfield fans would rather forget. Gus Mafuta and Gime Toure got two apiece to help claim an easy 5-1 victory over the Spireites on a cold Tuesday night in November. They won’t be terrorising the defence this season because both players left the club in the Summer.
Team News
John Pemberton said he will asses the fitness of Nathan Tyson before the game.
“Tyson is one of those where he could be involved but I just want him right.
Pemberton’s Thoughts
On his opponents the gaffer said: “They have got good players. They have got a lot of pace in their team. They play some good football. We have done our work on them. We know what their strengths are. We hopefully know what their weaknesses are.
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