The Spireites have bought in 5 new players to give the team a lift and improve the team in all departments. Jimmy Juan although signed earlier made his debut at Leyton Orient, he had been on the bench for the last two games, and having played in a midweek friendly at Coventry, Sheridan felt he was ready to play in the first team. Ridehalgh who was signed on loan from Huddersfield was making his second appearance, having made his debut against Exeter, he played at left back. The right back slot was given to Hurst making his debut coming on loan from WBA. Davis also making his debut after coming on loan from Wolves, was part of a three man centre midfield which included Juan and Whittaker. Talbot was able to move back to his more natural position on the right of midfield with Boden having to play on the left with injuries to Westcarr and Morgan, Bowery was the loan striker. Robertson again partnered Trotman at centre back.
With so many new faces in the line up it was going be difficult to gel as a team. They played quite well and looked like they were going to hold for a draw at half time, but Mooney was given too much space and converted a cross Cook. It was 1-0 to Orient at half time.
The Spireites changed their formation to a 4-4-2, because the 4-5-1 in the first half had not worked, often Bowery found himself very isolated, and Boden struggled on the left wing, so Whittaker went to the left and Boden joined Bowery upfront. Although defensively the Spireites look good they struggled upfront. So Jack Lester came on for Bowery on 67 mins and straightaway made an impact by holding the ball up, he found Ridehalgh who crossed it for Jimmy Juan who showed but ball control and then score the equaliser. Lester was encouraging the team to go forward, Juan had a shot from 30 yards saved. It was great to see someone not afraid to shoot from distance, it has not happened enough this season. The Spireites managed to hold to a draw. Although a win was needed a draw was a good result, as the home fans showed their frustration by booing their team.
The fifth new signing is Thompson a Central defender on loan from Celtic until the end of the season. He could make his debut in the Johnstones Northern final against Oldham as Trotman is cup tied. Jimmy Juan is eligible to play and the home fans will be in for a treat. He is very composed centre midfielder good in the air, can break up attacks and can move the ball well and quickly. He is the kind of centre midfielder the team has been missing. Although the team are at the bottom, hopefully the new signings can kick start the season and lift the side to safety, nothing is impossible in football.
