Expert provides inside track on Chesterfield's next opponents Boston United

We spoke to Pilgrims expert, Duncan Browne, ahead of the tie to get the inside track on Town’s next opponents...

How would you sum up Boston United's season so far?

It's been promising from the Pilgrims so far. They sit (before Saturday's trip to Alfreton) in the play-off places with up to four games in hand on the teams above them.

What are the realistic aims for this campaign?

After reaching last season's Natonal League North play-off final the aim this term was to go one better. United have strengthened considerably from last season, bringing in former Chesterfield loanees Ross Fitzsimons and Matt Tootle along with Mitch Rose, Terry Hawkridge and Pierce Bird - who have all been teammates at Notts County over the past two seasons. Add to that Joe Leesley who was part of the Harrogate squad that won last season's National League play-off final, former York City skipper and Chesterfield attacker Jordan Burrow, Scott Duxbury from AFC Fylde, former Republic of Ireland international Paul Green, Sheffield Wednesday winger Fraser Preston and Connor Dimaio from Stockport, another ex-Spireite. The quality is there for a realistic promotion push.

What style of football can we expect from the Pilgrims?

Boston are set up to not concede and have reaped the rewards so far, keeping eight clean sheets from 16 contests in all competitions. They can also boast the National League North's meanest backline.

Who are the key players to watch out for?Skipper Luke Shiels and Bird have been the chosen central defensive pair in recent weeks and have formed a strong partnership. In attack, Jordans Thewlis and Burrow and Leesley have 13 goals between them. Midfield stopper Tom Platt is probably the club's most influential and consistent performer, but he'll miss the game with a hamstring injury.

What weaknesses do Boston have?They're not always scoring enough goals. They've netted 30 in 16 so far but in recent weeks have had to settle for draws in games they could, and should, have won.

Boston have a few former Chesterfield players in their ranks (Burrow, Tootle, Fitzsimons, Dimaio) - how have they done so far this season?

Burrow - currently the leading scorer with five goals in 15 starts - has led the line well, proving he is more than just a target man with his impressive work rate. Dimaio's desire to entertain paid off with his equaliser in the previous round against Fylde, a game in which Fitzsimons made two penalty saves. The Pilgrims keeper has enjoyed a regular run of games and was named the December Player of the Month after earning five clean sheets. Right-back Tootle has looked solid, starting every league game in a position where United used eight different players last season.

Would a cup run be beneficial or a distraction for Boston?Manager Craig Elliott made it clear earlier this season that he wanted his side to put a good run together, especially after their enforced exit from the FA Cup. That remains the case, but as more and more matches get postponed that may change.

What’s your score prediction?1-1 - the next round beckons for whoever can convert from 12 yards.