The Spireites travel to the Poundland Bescot Stadium this evening to take on Walsall in the League Two play-off semi-final, second leg.
Chesterfield are looking to overcome a two-goal deficit in order to book a spot at Wembley.
The winners will face either AFC Wimbledon or Notts County in the play-off final for a place in League One.
Walsall
Record this season in all competitions: P57 W29 D14 L14
After a scintillating first half to the season, Walsall faltered during the run-in to see their lead at the top of League Two slip. Despite a win on the final day against Crewe Alexandra, Antoni Sarcevic’s 96th-minute winner against Fleetwood Town gave Bradford City the final promotion spot over the Saddlers. Mat Sadler’s men also reached the second round of the FA Cup, third round of the Carabao Cup and the Vertu Trophy round of 16.
Record in play-off games: P10 W5 D2 L3
Walsall have been promoted twice in four play-off campaigns, going up in 1987/88 and 2000/01. They have also partaken in play-off campaigns in the 1992/93 and 2015/16 seasons, losing to Crewe Alexandra and Barnsley respectively in the semi-finals.
Previous Meeting
On Sunday, Ryan Colclough came closest to opening the scoring within the first 20 minutes. He first saw a shot deflected just wide of a post before having an attempt well-saved by Tommy Simkin.
The visitors were awarded a penalty after 28 minutes when Liam Mandeville brought down Liam Gordon in the penalty area. Walsall captain Taylor Allen stepped up and converted the spot-kick past Ryan Boot.
Just before half time, the away side added another; Alfie Chang’s low drive from the edge of the area found the back of the net.
The Spireites searched for a way back into the tie with Ash Palmer’s header coming off the crossbar twice.
Tom Naylor and Bim Pepple were also frustrated by Simkin as the goalkeeper made more saves – to keep the score 2-0 going into the second leg.
Memorable Play-off Moment
The last time Chesterfield won a second leg in the EFL play-offs was back in 1995 against local rivals Mansfield Town.
The first leg finished 1-1 at Field Mill after Stewart Hadley’s free-kick cancelled out Phil Robinson’s opener.
At Saltergate, the visitors took the lead twice with Paul Holland making it 1-0 and Steve Wilkinson making it 2-1 – Tony Lormor and Robinson equalised for John Duncan’s side.
With the score 3-3 on aggregate, the game went to extra time. Kevin Lampkin was sent off for Mansfield before captain Nicky Law converted a penalty.
Mark Peters was sent off to reduce the away side to nine men before further strikes from Jonathan Howard and Robinson made the final score 5–2 with Chesterfield progressing to the final with a 6–3 aggregate victory
