Recap: Chesterfield secure National League play-off place after victory at Halifax

Chesterfield secured their place in the play-offs with a 2-1 win at Halifax.

After eight months and 41 matches the National League play-off race comes down to the final day.

Chesterfield know a win against Halifax today (12.30pm KO) will guarantee them a place in the play-offs and a shot at promotion to League Two.

The Spireites have their fate in their own hands but today’s opponents Halifax, Eastleigh and Bromley are ready to pounce if they slip up.

Liam Norcliffe is at The Shay and will have all the build-up, team news, updates and reaction.

Halifax v Chesterfield: LIVE UPDATES:

Key Events

FT: Halifax 1 v 2 Chesterfield
Spireites win to secure play-off spot
They will face Notts County away next Saturday in play-off elimination round after finishing 6th
Mandeville gives Blues lead on 14 minutes, Stephenson equalises after half an hour, Tyson scores winner with 10 to go
Spireites unchanged from win against Dagenham
3-4-2-1: Montgomery; Evans, Gunning (c), Maguire; Carline, Weston, Oyeleke, Taylor; Clarke, Mandeville; Rowe. Subs: Whittle, McCourt, Whelan, Tyson, Yussuf.

Sat, 29 May, 2021, 17:02 BST

Final thoughts fom fan writer Ben

Wow. That was awful for the nerves, but thankfully fully worth it in the end as Chesterfield emerge 2-1 winners and book their place in the play-offs!

I’ll be honest, there were moments where, whilst you always back your team, I started to feel like it wasn’t going to happen today. Halifax had several chances throughout the game and will probably think themselves unlucky not to get at least something out of the game. That said, The Spireites deserve credit from remaining calm, digging in and ultimately getting the job done. Lesser sides may have started to panic as the game ticked into its later stages, but not this side, and ultimately they’ve got the reward which reflects their quality, not only in terms of today, but throughout the season following James Rowe’s arrival.

How far Town may go in the playoffs is anyone’s guess, but once they get underway they often prove to be a lottery, so the important thing from a Chesterfield perspective was to book their place and be in with a shout, and that they are.

All we can do now is back the lads and hope for the best. Play-off football. Bring it on!

Sat, 29 May, 2021, 16:16 BST

ROWE REACTION

'Bring on anyone!' - Proud boss James Rowe reacts after securing National League play-off place

Chesterfield will play Notts County in the National League play-off elimination round after securing their place in the top seven on the final day of the season.