'Plenty to look forward to in second half of season' - Chesterfield fan writer says Spireites have nothing to fear

Looking at the promotion contenders, I watched the Notts County v Stockport County game and neither looked particularly outstanding. We have lost to both of these teams at home but with the improvement in our side, I can’t see anything to worry about in the return fixtures. Current leaders, Torquay Unitd, lost at home to Dagenham and Redbridge midweek, so maybe they are running out of steam as well.

With regards to our win against Brackley Town in the FA Trophy, that is the second penalty shootout Chesterfield have won this season, the first one against Stockport may have been scrubbed out of the record books, but it still counts as a win as far as I’m concerned. Many are suggesting it wasn’t a very good penalty shootout versus Brackley, but there have been many worse.

Anyone remember the 1986 European Cup final between Steaua Bucharest and Barcelona, managed at that time by Terry Venables?

Barcelona had every spot kick saved by the Romanian goalie in what was hoped to be the pinnacle of most players’ careers. Four players from both sides stepped forward, and despite all shooting on target the result was 2-0 to Steaua.

Both sides missed their first two attempts before Steaua converted at the third time of trying. Meanwhile, Barcelona continued to fluff their lines and blew the chance of silverware after the Catalan club failed to score at all.

Finally, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!