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.

So here we go...

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.

Fri, 28 May, 2021, 13:13 BSTUpdated 13:16 BST

Liam’s pre-match thoughts

It’s the biggest game since....last Saturday!

Here we go, then. Win and Chesterfield will be in the play-offs no matter what happens elsewhere. A draw could be enough but it would depends on other results. A defeat will mean the dream is over.

It’s likely to be tense with plenty of twists and turns but at least the Blues know they have their own fate in their hands.

I firmly believe that if Chesterfield play like they did against Dagenham last Saturday they will win but they will need to be more ruthless in front of goal.

The Shaymen will have their own fans in the stadium so you would expect them to start fast. If the Spireites can ride the first 20-25 minutes out and quieten the crowd then they have got every chance of getting the result they desire.

Halifax are likely to let Chesterfield have the ball at the back, but press once they make that first pass into midfield. If James Rowe’s men can break through the press and get the likes of Joel Taylor and George Carline in advanced positions, then that could an area where they get some joy.

My score prediction is a 2-1 away win.

COYB!

Fri, 28 May, 2021, 13:02 BST

Match odds

Halifax: 6/4

Chesterfield: 6/4

(Sky Bet)

Fri, 28 May, 2021, 13:01 BST

Form guide

Chesterfield: LWWDW

Halifax: LWLLW

Fri, 28 May, 2021, 12:59 BST

Insight on the Shaymen

FINAL DAY SHOWDOWN: Halifax journalist provides lowdown on Chesterfield's next opponents

After eight months and 41 matches the National League play-off places are still undecided and the Spireites and the Shaymen will battle it out on the final day of the season to potentially grab one of those spots.

Fri, 28 May, 2021, 12:59 BST

Injury news

James Rowe has said that both Gavin Gunning and Curtis Weston are ready to play today.

They’ve rested up for the first part of the week but joined in training in the last couple of days.

Fri, 28 May, 2021, 12:56 BST

Everything you need to know

SUPER SATURDAY: Final day permutations as National League play-off race goes to wire

The race to secure a place in the National League play-offs will involve five teams, including Chesterfield, on the final day of the season this Saturday.