'I know it will be a cauldron on Sunday': Paul Cook wants a play-off performance to match the passion in the stands

Nearly 2,000 made the journey to last week’s season finale at Swindon and the home sections quickly sold out for Sunday’s semi-final first leg at the SMH Group Stadium.

It will make for a cracking atmosphere as Cook’s side set about trying to get a lead to take to Nottingham next Friday.

He told the Derbyshire Times: "I was sitting on the coach at Swindon, having a cup of tea, and to see the numbers and how vocally they backed the players, I know it will be a cauldron on Sunday.

"We just want to do our best to replicate them in the best possible manner."

"Chesterfield fans know how much I think of them,” he added. “Every time I’ve ever looked to our supporters for support it’s there. It’s a guarantee, it’s a given.

"I don’t need to look to how they’ll turn up on Sunday because I know they will.”

Chesterfield have done the double over Notts and the other two play-off candidates, Salford and Grimsby, this season.

That is no guide to how the things will pan out over the next week considering group were split by only three points.

"Whatever the score is on Sunday, it will go to the next game. I can’t see there being much at the end of it,” said Cook.

"I think the four teams go in to the play-offs with an equal chance. I couldn’t split them, although I’ll certainly be biased towards ourselves because I watch our players every day.

"It is a really exciting little spell for League Two because all the teams in it are well coached and have had good seasons.

"The games will be really tight in my opinion, but all backed by fervent support and sell-out games and obviously the prize of Wembley.”

Chesterfield have been given 1,800 tickets for the away leg at Meadow Lane next Friday (8pm) which went on sale to season ticket holders today.

There will be a live screening of that match at the SMH Group Stadium