Lester expects good performance from sporadic Spireites

The Spireites went down 2-1 to 10 man Vale, their fellow relegation battlers, and now sit four points from safety - albeit with two games in hand over Grimsby above them.

Boss Lester admits things could have been worse for his side, had the Mariners picked up a win on Friday.

But he knows the visit of Newport County to the Proact on Easter Monday is a game the Spireites must take three points from.

“We’re lucky Grimsby didn’t win,” he said.

“If we dust ourselves down, give a top performance on Monday and win the game, you can really close that gap with your two games in hand and it’s ended up being a good Easter.

“But we’ve got to win on Monday.”

A number of players failed to match the performance levels they showed against Notts County and Lester has hinted that changes may be made to the starting line-up.

“Maybe, there needs to be an energy on the pitch,” he said.

“That will play a part in the decisions for Monday.

“Our performances have been a bit sporadic, so I’d expect a good one on Monday.”

He’s not concerned about the pressure on his players and still expects them to relish the occasion in front of their own supporters, regardless of the ramifications.

“You’ve got to love the game, a home game on Bank Holiday Monday is something to relish. You’ll be retired at some stage and you’ll wish you had one more game.

“I don’t buy into the pressure thing, that’s an individual thing. If you want to make an excuse of pressure that’s up to you, but if you’re a footballer you love those games.

“There’s so much to play for, in front of home fans you can go and be a hero, so go and relish it.”