Quakers will have their work cut out
Nov 21 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
STEVE Staunton believes his mini-revival at Darlington will get its sternest test yet when his revitalised Quakers take on the best side in League Two.
Staunton insists that John Sheridan’s Chesterfield, who have won seven of their eight home games so far this season, are better than big-spending Notts County, early pacesetters Bournemouth and John Still’s exciting Dagenham & Redbridge.
The in-form Spirites notched a noteworthy 3-2 win over promotion-chasing Rochdale last week and Staunton is correct to be wary of a side who look to be moving ominously through the gears.
His own team secured a hard-fought victory over Burton Albion but it is tentative progress at the Arena – and Staunton is fully aware that his side are only just beginning to recover from their calamitous start to the campaign.
Staunton is likely to give Aston Villa midfielder Jonathan Hogg his Quakers debut at Saltergate after beating the loan deadline to secure the 20-year-old until January 3.
“I think their home record proves they are probably the best team in this division,” he said.
“They have spent a bit of money to bring in virtually a new squad and they are very strong.
“Knowing the way that John likes the game to be played he’ll have a footballing team who also work very hard when they haven’t got the ball and even harder when they have got the ball.”
His task will not be made easier by a shortage of forwards, with recent signing Mor Diop ruled out for the trip to Saltergate with a calf strain.
Although a little rough around the edges, the bustling Diop has looked like a handful in games against Barnet and Burton but his fitness is not quite up to scratch following a couple of seasons spent playing semi-professional football in the lower leagues in Spain.
With Lee Thorpe still not back in contention and Noel Whelan a few weeks away from the first team, it places the attacking burden on the shoulders of teenage forward Curtis Main and the on-loan Simon Thomas.
