Sam Hird wants Spireites to build on Sheffield United defeat

Chesterfield suffered a pulsating 3-2 defeat at the champions after Daniel Lafferty hit an 82 minute winner.

But Spireites had turned in a battling display throughout and twice came form behind to level, before Dan Gardner was sent off for a clash with Billy Sharp on 66 minutes.

“We have to regroup and take the good points from today into next season,” said Hird.

“We have got to be consistent and have got to produce performances each week and not just in front of big crowds like this.

“It’s a big learning curve and the young lads will have learned from it especially and enjoyed it.

“We have got look forward to next season and make sure we are coming back to places like this the following year.

“All we ask is that the fans stay with us and we will come back stronger next year.”

The commanding central defender also spoke of his disappointing at getting nothing from the game.

He added: “I enjoyed the game and all the lads did, but again we have come away with nothing and it is not a nice feeling.

“I think we played well and deserved something from the game.

“We could have won it and should have been 2-0 up in the first 20 mins, but that is the story of our season.

“We are not putting chances away and are being punished. Their first goal came from our mistake and the second goal also came when we were on top.”