ECHOSPORT talks to Chesterfield fan Alex Ambler ahead of Saturday's clash with Southend United.

Chesterfield are running away with the National League title at the moment. What have you made of the season so far?

"I think we’re all still just waiting to wake up, it’s been that much of a dream season.

"Although, saying that, I never had any doubt we’d bounce back from that day at Wembley.

"With Paul Cook in charge we were never just going to fall away and when you combine that with the signings made in the summer, you could see the recipe for success was there in the making.

"Breaking records left, right and centre, on course for more and showing no sign of slowing down, I just hope it can last forever."

What has been different this season to previous campaigns?

"There’s been a lot of talk recently about our season being down to the opinion that the league has significantly weakened over the last few years but you can only beat what’s in front of you and we’re not only doing that but more.

"Like I previously mentioned, the pain of Wembley will always be a driving factor to not leave anything to chance but I only think it’s one of many factors contributing towards a fantastic season.

"The level of signings this summer have been a cut above. Tom Naylor alone was a regular starter in the Championship last season, Will Grigg is well known for igniting and Michael Jacobs completed a trio of incomings with absurd amounts of quality EFL experience.

"When you add to that young, upcoming talent like the Premier League loanees of Tyrer and Freckleton and the emergence of James Berry from Macclesfield, it’s a real recipe for success."

It seems a foregone conclusion now but are fans keeping their feet on the ground?

"It would be naive to think that anything is done until it is mathematically so.

"That being said, it is one hell of a position to be in, 13 points clear, two games in hand, 17 consecutive home wins, it’s hard to see it all fall apart.

"That’s not to say that it’s not possible though.

"Two years ago, we had a very healthy position at the top, Tshimanga was breaking records and we’d just scored at Stamford Bridge.

"Then within a month, the manager at the time had been sacked, Tshimanga was injured and it was never the same.

"Even last season, for a good portion of the year, we were keeping tabs on what would eventually be the runaway top two, but then came a spell of 9/10 games without a win between January and February and we finished some way adrift.

"We have a much healthier advantage this time and that collapse seems nowhere near as likely, but it would silly to assume it’s over and I’m sure that’s exactly what the coaching staff will be drilling into the players."

Who is the dangerman?

"There’s never a simple answer to this question but it would be difficult to not go with the top scorer, Will Grigg.

"A common thing in modern football is strikers being solely judged on their goal output when in reality, they are so much more than that.

"Take Grigg for example, he didn’t light up the scoresheets when he first arrived, but the work he did off the ball created far more.

"Now I guess it’s just the cherry on top that he continues to do the work whilst also finding the net on a regular basis.

"Don't count out DJ Oldaker though, since his re-emergence into the starting 11, Oldaker has ran the show as a deep lying playmaker with exquisite composure and an outstanding passing range.

What's the team news?

"We will definitely be without both Miguel Freckleton (hamstring) and Ryan Colclough (ankle).

"Ryheem Sheckleford picked up a gash against Altrincham which saw him miss the Woking game but he is expected to be available for Saturday.

"Ash Palmer was another who missed the Woking game, he remains a doubt with a knock to his knee."