'I just feel it epitomised our season': Reaction from Paul Cook as Chesterfield bow out of the play-offs

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, the Spireites had the majority of the ball and the pressure in the return at Meadow Lane but couldn’t find a way through in a frustrating stalemate.

“I just feel it epitomised our season," said Cook.

"First of all, thanks so much to the supporters. The support we have had this season has been amazing, including tonight.

"I so wanted to score for them to give them that lift to celebrate.

"I couldn’t ask any more of the players but like I said, the whole game epitomised our season with Janio Donanacien having to come off because his hamstring was tight and Ryan Stirk doing his shoulder bad like Dobs (Armando Dobra) did last week. You think ‘why’?

"It’s a tough game and a tough league and I wish Notts County well at Wembley.”

There was only a point and a place between the teams in the final league table despite Chesterfield doing the double over them in the regular season.

It was the defensive organisation and resolve of the Magpies that went a long way towards them prevailing overt the two legs and booking a trip to final against Salford at Wembley.

"There has not been a lot between us as a rule anyway,” said Cook. “I just wanted to make sure we made Notts County defend.

"I felt they got out of our ground (with a result) too easily on Sunday.

“Tonight I thought we were the better team. I thought we did the club proud in how we performed but unfortunately we couldn’t get that goal.”

With another season in League Two now confirmed, Chesterfield will rest up over the weekend before starting to plot a way forward.

“We’ve got to reflect,” added Cook. “We’ll come in on Monday and see how we can get stronger and better.

"At times like this, you wish Notts County well. We have a fierce rivalry with them but the rivalry is good.

"We have to lick our wounds and move on.”