'They're usually humdingers.' Reaction as Chesterfield set up a play-off semi-final against Notts County

Chesterfield assistant boss Danny Webb has welcomed a League Two play-off shoot-out against old foes Notts County.

The Spireites’ 2-1 win at Swindon Town combined with County’s 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers saw them finish sixth and fifth respectively, separated by a couple of points.

Action from Chesterfield's victory at Swindon Town that has secured a play-off place. Pictures by Tina Jenner

placeholder image — Action from Chesterfield's victory at Swindon Town that has secured a play-off place. Pictures by Tina Jenner

Chesterfield have done the double over the Magpies this season, as well as against the other two play-off candidates Salford and Grimsby.

"Great. We’d rather have that than losing doubles of course,” said Webb.

Chesterfield scorer Dilan Markanday pressures the home keeper.

"It’s Notts County isn’t it. It’s one for both sets of supporters to look forward to. Matches with them are always humdingers.”

Chesterfield take on County at the SMH next Sunday (6pm) before going to Meadow Lane on Friday, May 15 for an 8pm start.

Paul Cook’s side also go into the tie unbeaten in eight, their best run of the season.

They have finished one place and nine points better off than last year when they dipped out of the play-offs to Walsall.

Needing only a point at Swindon to make the top-seven ahead of their hosts, they came through with a goal in each half from tjop scorer Lee Bonis and Dilan Markanday.

Swindon levelled through Ben Middlemas right on half time and had a big push after.The Spireites deserved the win for playing the better stuff and then digging in with some stoic defending and good stops from Ryan Boot.

“There was a bit of numbness after their equaliser,” said Webb, “There was a lot of pressure on us and we stood up to the challenge.

"We missed a few chances but the players never stopped trying, never stopped creating and never stopped trying to tackle. They always tried to do the right things.”

The SMH will be packed for next week’s first leg.

"It is important for our supporters, up until probably Wednesday, to enjoy this,” added Webb. “Hopefully we can go a step further.”

Chesterfield will be bidding for a place in League One alongside champions Bromley, runners-up MK Dons and Cambridge, who pipped Salford for the third automatic spot.

Their semi-final first leg is at seventh-placed Grimsby next Sunday (3pm), with the return on Friday, May 15 (7.15pm).