Paul Cook is focusing on defensive improvements as his Chesterfield side prepare for a testing run of League Two fixtures. The manager has noted his team has kept only two clean sheets in 13 matches this season, a record he wants to tighten.

Chesterfield sit seventh in the table with 15 points from their opening 10 games. Their recent form has been mixed, with just one defeat in their last nine outings across all competitions but only one point taken from recent away trips to Cheltenham and Crawley. The 2-2 draw at Crawley on October 10th, where Lee Bonis and Louie Marsh scored, was a typical example of their attacking threat being offset by defensive lapses.

Team consistency and tactical setup

Cook has largely kept faith with a settled defensive unit in recent weeks. The same back four and the midfield pairing of Ryan Stirk and George McEachran have featured regularly. This consistency in selection is designed to build understanding, but the manager believes the next step is turning that familiarity into more shutouts.

The upcoming test against Port Vale

The immediate challenge is a trip to Vale Park to face Port Vale this Saturday. Jon Brady's side are 22nd in the table and have won only two of their first eight league games, but they remain unbeaten at home. They also arrive with confidence after upsetting Grimsby Town last weekend and beating Mansfield in the Trophy. Chesterfield edged them in a penalty shoot-out in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy three weeks ago, following a 1-1 draw in the league at the SMH Group Stadium on September 22nd.

Looking ahead beyond Port Vale

This match begins what is described as a testing run of games for Cook's team. After the visit to Port Vale, Chesterfield will face Colchester United and Crewe Alexandra in quick succession. This sequence could be key in shaping their league position as they aim to close the four-point gap to leaders Salford City. The full schedule for this period is available on our fixtures list.

With 17 goals scored but 14 conceded so far, the balance between attack and defence is clear. Cook will be demanding more concentration at the back to turn promising performances into more victories. Chesterfield's next match is away to Port Vale on October 17th.

This story first appeared at ripleyandheanornews.co.uk