After 15 shots and 70 per cent of possession in Saturday’s tie at Fleetwood Town, they really should be in it.
The only stats that mattered were 1 and 0, the decisive blow struck by the boot of a certain Ched Evans.
Chesterfield played some lovely stuff in the second half and deserved to take the tie to penalties. Fleetwood will argue they deserved to edge it for a stubborn backs-to-the-wall defensive effort.
The plusses for the losers were some promising signs from their clutch of newcomers, all of whom will be in the frame for this weekend’s much more important League Two opener back at the SMH.
In the meantime here’s my stab at player ratings from Saturday’s game.
5. Jack Simpson: 7
Jack Simpson 7: Won his headers and generally assured on the deck. Another decent full debut Photo: Tina Jenner
6. Lewis Gordon: 6
Lewis Gordon 6: Shook off a bruised foot to play. Saw plenty of the ball. Should have hit the target with decent first-half chance Photo: Marc Atkins
7. Ryan Stirk: 7
Ryan Stirk 7: Quiet first half. Stepped further forward after half time to join in attacks and get Chesterfield moving Photo: Barrington Coombs
8. George McEachran: 8
George McEachran 8: Defensive midfielder had plenty offence about him. The summer arrival from Grimsby was good in pre-season and bright again here Photo: Tina Jenner