The Spireites fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Notts County in the first leg of the League Two play-offs on Sunday evening.
Jayden Luker’s first-half strike was the difference in front of a sold-out SMH Group Stadium, with the Spireites knowing that only a victory in Nottingham on Friday can secure a ticket to Wembley.
Paul Cook named an unchanged side following the 2-1 success against Swindon Town on the final day of the League Two season, when goals from Lee Bonis and Dilan Markanday secured a play-off berth for the Spireites.
With so much on the line, both sides sprang into life as chances fell at both ends in the opening moments.
But the game’s first golden opportunity fell to the Spireites in the fifth-minute when Lucas Ness fouled Liam Mandeville in the area, and the referee pointed to the spot.
Bonis stepped up, but his effort from 12 yards cannoned off the bottom of the post.
Undeterred by the miss, Chesterfield continued to pry with County having to settle for counter-attacking opportunities.
However, with 28 minutes played, Notts County profited from one of those counter-attacks.
Tom Iorpenda latched on to a loose Chesterfield pass and squared the ball across the area for Luker to fire past Ryan Boot.
It was further disappointment for the Blues when just before half-time, Armando Dobra had to be substituted after picking up a knock.
Both teams were backed by vocal support, which led to a full-blooded competitive first 45 minutes with very little to choose between them.
After the break, the visitors looked to double their lead with an early sight of goal for Alassana Jatta, who was well marshalled by Sil Swinkels.
Bonis then replied with a chance of his own, but the striker couldn’t direct his acrobatic effort goalwards.
Wave after wave of Chesterfield attacks followed, with Janoi Donacien and Kyle McFadzean seeing efforts go close.
Markanday was the next to threaten with a dazzling run that was only ended by a cynical foul right on the edge of the box, but the ensuing free-kick from Tom Pearce was well saved.
Another chance came and went when Sammy Braybrooke blazed his effort over the bar.
As the clock ticked down, the visitors began to nullify the Chesterfield attack by slowing the game down.
In the end, County held on and took a slim lead into next Friday’s second leg.
Chesterfield: Boot, Curtis (Donacien 45), McFadzean, Swinkels, Gordon (Pearce 62), Stirk, Braybrooke, Mandeville (Naylor 76), Dobra (Dickson 39), Markanday, Bonis (Grigg 76)
Attendance: 10,013
