'It is not a time to be down because it is not over yet': Reaction to Chesterfield's play-off defeat to Notts County

A lively East Midlands derby was settled by Jayden Luker’s 28th minute strike, leaving the Spireites to try and turn around a 1-0 deficit in the second leg at Meadow Lane next Friday (8pm).

That score leaves Martin Paterson’s side as the favourites to complete the job and make it to Wembley but so evenly matched are the two teams that the tie is still very much in the balance.

“You have to give credit to Notts County. They came here and won 1-0 so you can’t discredit anything they did,” said Webb.

"To be fair to Martin (Paterson) and his staff, they realise it is half time and so do we.

"This time last year we were 2-0 down going away to Walsall, which was always going to be tough.

“Even if we’d drawn today we would still need to go there to win and we’ve got to do that anyway.

"It is important everyone stays positive. It is not a time to be down because it is not over yet.”

An early penalty miss from top scorer Lee Bonis proved crucial in front of a crowd of more than 10,000 at the SMH Group Stadium.

The Magpies survived that scare to get a foothold in the game and Luker gave them a lead they defended stoically despite being pressed back in the second half.

“There were bits of really good play at times and then we were sloppy at other times,” added Webb.

"Obviously had the penalty had gone in it would have given the ground a lift but it wasn't to be.

"Going into half time we were a little bit off it but the second half was much better without creating too many clear cuts.

"There is stuff to improve on and work on.”