A Review By John Taylor

December began in customary Town fashion with no game on the first Saturday owing to its being FA Cup Round 2 day. Our first action of the month was the midweek fixture against Northampton, who are a good side on the road, but poor at home. As it turned out, they were difficult to beat, since we didn't do it and the match will not live long in the memory. The only notables were that it was cold, Sean Dyche got a warm reception, but didn't join the action from the bench, Caleb got injured early on and we kept a rare clean sheet.

Dychey back at Saltergate practising a few dance steps

Saturday's game against in-form Oldham was a different matter entirely. Again, we did the typical Town thing and played admirably against a good team who were, of late, in a good run. Two well-worked and well-taken early goals by Colin Larkin proved decisive, as Oldham's only response was a first half injury time free kick (fortunately awarded and 90 seconds beyond what should have been the end of injury time) splendidly converted by Eardley.

Colin Larkin about to hit the target 2-0 Spireites

The second period saw some decent stuff from Town, but the finish was lacking and we failed to make the game comfortable. In truth, though, the Latics rarely looked like equalising as our defence performed admirably, with Downes looking particularly good. So, this proved to be an impressive win and grimly, the only one we achieved in the month.

We followed this up with a trip to Bradford City, without a home win since September and very short of confidence. Again, we did the typical Town thing and lost, though the goal had a touch of fortune about it. It came after the break, inevitably from Windass who headed in a free kick from Bridge-Wilkinson after the referee had waved play on, then after the hosts lost the ball 20 seconds later, decided to punish us anyway. Overall, though, we deserved nothing from the game as we appeared lacking in confidence and created only half chances which we snatched at or long-range efforts which we scuffed and allowed Ricketts easy saves. After the high of Oldham, this nervy, disjointed effort was surprising, except that we are traditionally very generous when the opponents are in a winless run.

Windass typically settled things at the Bradford & Bingley 1-0 Bantams

City's near neighbours, Huddersfield were our next opponents and we were the better side in a tough encounter that saw Mirfin and McIntosh in excellent form in the Terriers' rearguard that came for, and got, a point. The excellent Alex Bailey came nearest to winning in for us with a 20-yard drive, well saved by Glennon. Of some amusement to the home fans was the substitution of both ex-Spireites in the Huddersfield ranks: Mark Hudson, before he got himself sent off and Chris Brandon, because he was rubbish. It was still a very disappointing match though we did keep a clean sheet with some decent defending and more confident work by Roche.

Mark Hudson saw yellow and get a friendly send off when subbed minutes later

Boxing Day saw us make the short trip to Scunthorpe where, of late, we've been hopeless. Given the elevated position of the Iron, hopes were high for a shock result and the first half performance seemed to indicate that this was more than a possibility. Murphy in the home goal (wearing hideous black tights) made a magnificent save from Mark Allott and Taylor headed one off the line as we caused the home team numerous problems before the break. We just couldn't find the net, however. Shortly after the resumption, Folan should have put us 1 up as he took the ball round Murphy but somehow never got his shot in and the ball was cleared for a corner. Seconds later we were behind in bizarre circumstances, as a hopeful punt towards the edge of our box appeared to carry no threat. For some reason, however, both Bailey and Roche thought they were out for an afternoon stroll and stood around whistling merrily as the loathsome Billy Sharp ran in and pinched the ball and stroked it into the empty net. As usual, his first reaction was not celebration, but mocking the opposition supporters. As at Saltergate, the referee saw this, but failed to caution the arrogant former Blade, merely giving him a gentle warning.

So the year ended on a very sorry note with only 1 win and 3 goals in December. Off the pitch we had some interesting action at CFSS. Phil Tooley stepped down as Chairman owing to pressure of work in his new job. John Croot stepped up to replace him. CFSS also sent out papers with proposals for restructuring the finances of the club, which would see the majority shareholding go and with it, more possibility for raising funds for the new ground. It was inevitable really, given the size of the town and the membership, which responded admirably in a time of crisis, but can't do a regular job of fundraising to the degree required. The vote will happen in January, so we'll await the result with interest.

Man of the month for December is very difficult, given lack of consistency in performances. Hurst did a lot of good work, but was in and out, whilst Bailey finally got back to the form we know he is capable of with an excellent display against Huddersfield. Downes just gets it, however, for being solid in most games, though he fell short at Brentford.

Aaron Downes Johns man of the month

January is going to be crucial and Mr Mac really needs to bring in a couple of new faces in the window. I feel that we are lacking some on-field inspirational presence in the mould of John Archer or Bill Green. Mark Allott is not a natural skipper, to my mind, and also has not been at his best of late in his midfield role. We are capable of doing much better than we have in recent games, but the confidence levels do look low at the moment. A morale-boosting victory against in-form Blackpool to start 2007 was just what the doctor ordered, so let's do it!