Lee out to build on Cup success story

Chesterfield were the toast of the early rounds a year ago when they saw off Wolves on penalties, came from behind to beat Manchester City and West Ham before going out on penalties to Charlton Athletic.

Manager Lee Richardson’s team made an acceptable start to the League season on Saturday, drawing 0-0 at Chester. Five players made their competitive debuts. Two new faces were in midfield, and they had contrasting games.

“I thought Jamie Winter did well,” said Lee Richardson. “Peter Leven has got to adapt to what it’s like down here but all in all I was pleased with the general performance.

Chester never looked terribly threatening though right at the death we could have conceded a goal. But these are little twists and turns that happen in a game.”

Richardson takes his team to the Lane admitting he wouldn’t trade success in League Two for a cup run. “Our priority this season is obviously the League. United have got an embarrassment of riches in their squad and they could probably put three teams out against us. We’re under no illusions about how difficult it will be but we want to go there, be positive and enjoy the experience.”

He added: “We had a good cup run last season that gave us some notoriety but I think we’d all swap that for a good season in the League but let’s see.

“It’s now our next game to focus on and it’ll be an enjoyable occasion, hopefully, for our fans and for the players. We did manage to beat Premiership and Championship opposition last season, so we know it can be achieved so we’re in no way frightened or in fear of the opposition; we’ll see how we go.”

Richardson was able to report on a clean bill of health after the trip to Cheshire.