October 2010

But in some extremely rare scenarios, even a defeat can feel like something of a moral victory, as was the case at Hillsborough last night.

The Johnstone’s Paint Trophy originally visited Sheffield Wednesday with a feature on the Owls in mind, but such was the optimism from the Spireite fans all around us that we were swayed to take a closer look at the League 2 club.

Since bidding an emotional farewell to their famous Saltergate home at the end of last season, John Sheridan’s men have taken to the b2net Stadium like ducks to water.

The plush new surroundings have certainly played their part in swelling attendances.

Just last week, more than 6,000 fans flocked to see an enthralling 5-5 draw against the Railwaymen.

Tellingly, only 3,300 went to the corresponding fixture last season at their old home, which goes some way to revealing the stadium’s impact on the town.

But above all, the new ground has given the fans something far more significant to take with them...Belief.

The sight of thousands of Chesterfield fans in Sheffield was one to remember, with a spring in just about all of their steps as they bounded through the turnstiles.

Couple this with the entertainment on the pitch, and a heady recipe of success is being concocted along Whittington Moor.

John Sheridan has moulded a team full of endeavour and no little talent.

Their attacking trio of Davies, Bowery and Morgan were too hot to handle in round one at Walsall in a performance that didn’t even feature star man Jack Lester.

And with the likes of Drew Talbot, Simon Ford and Tommy Lee supplementing the swagger, it has rarely been more exciting to be a Chesterfield fan right now, even if they’re not in the draw for the Area Quarter Finals!

Johnstone’s. Bringing colour to the beautiful game.