It appears that Dave Bentley's youth team are beginning to take shape as they progress through their busy pre season schedule. Falling victim to two senior sides in their opening two matches must of surely put a downer on the squad's morale…or so you would think. But when faced with like minded opposition, it is clear to see that the Spireites spirit is of the highest level.

Throughout the last 360 minutes of competitive action, Bentley has explored a number of players in a wide range of positions, not to mention additional matches offered by John Sheridan in the first team's preparations for the new season.

But for one squad member a torn hip flexor has meant that first team action has become scarce, limiting just 45 minutes of availability.

Right back Jake Handbury, who missed out on the opening three matches due to injury, finally made his debut from the substitutes bench in the away victory at Topps Park. Handbury 16, has been unfortunate with early life at Saltergate, injuring himself in a friendly fixture against a local college side, meaning the youngster was to sit out three weeks worth of action.

Starting back in training a day after the trouncing of Teversall meant that Handbury was in some shape to take part against Oadby Town.

Injury at anytime in a player's career can be frustrating, but whilst trying to break into a new squad, the challenge can be made that little bit more difficult; "It's annoying being out of regular action because I want to be playing to try and earn my place in the team" said Handbury.

Despite the tear to his hip flexor, Handbury has settled into the squad without any concern "I have settled into the team quite easily because everyone involved in the club has made me feel welcome. The squad are starting to gelly together nicely."

Gellying together is one way of putting it, 11 goals in the past two matches show the Spireites certainly have their appetite for goal as the new season rapidly approaches, but there is still work to be done throughout the squad if they are to be re crowned league champions.

Handbury's CV, despite his age, is very impressive and already boasts neighbours Nottingham Forest and Mansfield Town amongst various local sides.

Having already played for two of the Spireites local rivals, it is no surprise that the right back has his eye on a few fixtures in particular: "With Mansfield being my former team, that is a fixture I really want to win, but also the Notts County game I am looking forward to because of the nature involved in local derbies."

When asked which player he most resembles, Handbury considers Manchester United and England right back Gary Neville to be the most suitable comparison. Handbury said "I'm a steady player who tries to maintain possession whenever possible".

Handbury continues "Although I like to get forward as much as possible, I know my limitations and my main duty is to defend first, but when attacking is possible I will get forward".

This is an essential ethic that Bentley has drilled into his player's heads over the past few years as he encourages attacking support as frequent as possible.

In his last season with local rivals Mansfield Town, Handbury managed eight goals, although he confessed to the majority of them coming from set pieces.

Although it seems likely that second year scholar Chris Tingay will occupy the right hand spot due to Handbury's injury, setting him back through pre season training, the ex Forest player's spirit remains positive "It is going to be hard to establish a starting place anyway, but having the injury has made it a more difficult task, but my aim for the year is to play well and hopefully gain a regular first team spot."

Now back to match fitness, Handbury looks set to feature in the Spireites last pre-season friendly at Calverton MW on Wednesday night, ko 7.00pm, before the season commences on August 15th.

Article by Adam Hulme, the Spireites youth team reporter