Why Chesterfield's season could be decided in just 21 days

The National League campaign started on October 6 and finishes May 29, 235 days later.

But the Spireites’ fate looks likely to be decided in the three weeks from April 13 to May 3.

During this period Town have three home games in a row against Boreham Wood (12th), Bromley (10th) and FC Halifax Town (8th) in seven days.

They then face a triple away bonanza against Wrexham (5th), Bromley again and then Hartlepool United (2nd), before returning to home soil to take on Torquay United (3rd).

Boreham always prove to be stubborn opposition, Bromley could have a new manager by then and Halifax reached the play-offs last year and are challenging again.

Wrexham are the league’s form team over the last six matches and have been offered a huge win bonus by their new Hollywood owners, Hartlepool will be the freshest team in the division because they have no more Tuesday night matches to play and Torquay could still be fighting for second or third.

It is going to be a gruelling schedule which will put Town’s squad to the test but, as we know, James Rowe has built a group which does have strength in depth. Avoiding injuries and suspensions will be key.

Looking at Chesterfield’s ‘mini season’, if they can return a healthy number of points from their three home games on the bounce then that will really set them up for the away days that follow. If they slip up then they are going to be up against it and playing catch-up.

The last game of the season, away at the Shaymen, could be a crunch clash but if someone offered me a ‘win and you're in the play-offs’ scenario now I would not take it. Not only because my heart could not cope but because I think they can secure a top seven finish before then. How times have changed!

It is going to be drama-filled, tense, nerve-jangling, exciting and fun and everything in-between.

In my opinion, this opportunity is a free-hit for Town, play with freedom and go for it.

Come on you Blues!