Game 23 - The Spireites (A)
Team - Chesterfield FC
Date - 26/12/2025 15:00
Where - Recreation Ground

What would your starting line-up be? What will be the key areas for the Magpies to get a victory? What do you think the final score will be?

Have your say below, join in with the Pride of Nottingham match discussion.

Every single game in League 2 is tough & no opponent can be underestimated. Chesterfield have only been defeated once in their last 10 matches just like Notts.

Chesterfield have some very dangerous players that can hurt Notts if Notts aren't at their best. So Notts will want to carry on with the good form that they have shown against top opponents in December.

Listening to Martin's pre Chesterfield presser it looks like it will be an unchanged side on Boxing day., so long as there are not any further injuries or illnesses.

I will be pleased if Notts can keep the unbeaten run going. A win would be very welcome but so would a draw too. I think it will be a close game & one goal could easily settle it.

I'd actually be a bit surprised by unchanged this time

I think Jones has to start. If he doesn't then Bennetts is first choice and Jones is the back-up and I just don't think that's the case. Bennetts has done fine, but what has he done to become first choice over Jones. But if he does get the nod, JJ can't afford a 'feel-out' 'get up to speed' kind of game. We're not that type of team anymore.

Hall will probably have to start from the bench though. Everyone who has left the team for one reason or another ends up with a fight to get back in and that's a really healthy sign

Definitely agree that it will be a tough and close game - a real Boxing Day local derby

Boxing day Pies.

Now then crunch time is nigh,
Notts County aiming for the sky.

All players fit ready and well,
Giving Martin the job from hell.

We the fans stand side by side,
Beating hearts full of pride.

Boxing day at 3 is the time, 
They put their bodies on the line.

Chesterfield the team to beat,
Hope they can deal with defeat.

It's Matchday!!

Been thinking a bit more about MP's Jones v Bennetts decision - probably the tightest fight for a shirt in the squad at the moment. It's tough, I don't think there's a cigarette paper between them based on this season's performances.

Jones probably has the best matches between the pair and a set of the worst as well. Bennetts has been very steady. Jones' claims are more historical, based on seasons MP didn't see. It's fair if he asks JJ to show it all over again. JJ can't come in and give us a 5 or 6 out of 10, when Bennetts can guarantee a 6 or a 7. I'd like MP to gamble and challenge JJ to hit his best form, but it'd be understandable if he went with Bennetts.

An unchanged side today once again.

Happy with that - strongest available XI for my money.

Another unchanged line up and the bonus of Hall back on the bench. Come on Notts we can do this.

The Match is underway.

Update

Goalless at the Break.

Platt and the CMs are giving us solidity, but we're suffering from poor creative play and the forwards having one of their sleepier days so far.

The tussle for the LWB shirt requires Jones to replace Bennetts asap, and let's see what Jodi can do

Decent enough effort & h/t scoreline in a tough gig tbh.

Bennetts has wasted a couple of good breaks but we lack sharpness in the final 3rd again.

Jatta’s touch and control are abysmal again tbh. If we can quicken the tempo and just find that incisive ball into the box we’ll win this. They look similar to us, neat at times but nothing up front. Their defence is distinctly shakier than ours, Grimes is a thug and the full backs are vulnerable. Can see a possible red for them too if Naylor and the 2 cb’s stay on the pitch.

Back to it.

Update

Update

Update

Goal for Chesterfield

Roos has been much better lately but that goal is poor goalkeeping. Push it around the post.

Update

Update

Goal to Chesterfield They double their lead.

The less said about that the better!

Defeat today

Really really poor...Two main reasons for defeat?

MP's conservative team selection, not bringing in proven creative players to start the game.

Players like Grant and Bennetts are not promotion-level, so these results will happen while we continue with them.

To add to all that, Jatta was poor but what the hell was that from Dennis? The worst player on the pitch today. And yeah, Roos' error was awful, but they'd have won anyway. The main problem was with the outfield players.

Notts down to six after today's match.

Catastrophic 2nd half. A lack of energy, fight and inventiveness.

Today highlighted that we can, comfortably, get rid of Gordon, Bennetts, Jatta & Jones in January. They are all “off the pace” and just quite good enough tbh. As for Roos, well any credit gained from the last 2 or 3 games has been wee & truly dumped in the bin! He was diabolical today, should have held the shot for the 1st, it was straight into his midriff, and there simply are no words for the 2nd. Absolute liability, he needs replacing pdq.

If you actually needed confirmation that Jones is “finished” then today must, surely be it. I think Gordon broke his own world record for the most awful crosses in 1 game and he was only on the pitch for 45+ mins! Bennetts has failed to improve/develop over the last 4 months and he was simply dreadful.

Why we persistently take off Grant & Tsaroulla, both of whom possess ball control, skill and the ability to make forward passes remains a mystery. We rarely, if ever, improve once they’ve gone.