The Spireites qualified for the play-offs, recording their first ever victory at Accrington Stanley – Will Grigg’s first-half goal giving them a 1-0 win.
Before kick-off, it was clear that Spireites fans were determined to enjoy the day, whatever the eventual outcome, with an assortment of fancy dress costumes on display.
There was one change to the starting line-up with Ryan Colclough recalled in place of Dylan Duffy, who was among the substitutes.
Accrington went into the game on an unbeaten run of four games.
Devon Matthews headed wide for the visitors early on.
Chesterfield appealed for a penalty, claiming that Jenson Metcalfe’s shot was handled by an Accrington player, but referee Thomas Parsons was unmoved.
Ash Palmer met Liam Mandeville’s corner but he put his header wide of the target.
News of Carlisle’s two quick-fire goals was greeted with cheers among the Spireites faithful.
There was a scare for the Spireites when John Fleck lost possession around the halfway line and Jake Batty, spotting Ryan Boot well of his line, tried his luck from distance, but the ball thankfully just cleared the bar.
The all-important goal came in the 32nd minute. Metcalfe saw his shot saved by Michael Kelly, the rebound fell to Colclough, who hit a post with the goal at his mercy and the ball fell kindly to Grigg, who turned it into the net from close range.
Conor Grant threatened for the hosts in the closing stages of the half, firing narrowly wide.
Soon after the re-start, the Spireites threatened when Grigg and Colclough both had efforts saved by Kelly.
Colclough then curled a shot wide while Tom Naylor volleyed over after meeting an Olakigbe cross.
Boot came to Chesterfield’s rescue, scrambling down low to his right to keep out a shot from Dan Martin, with Palmer on-hand to clear the loose ball.
Palmer then had to head Ash Hunter’s goal-bound effort over.
Kelsey found some space inside the area but his low shot was comfortably saved by Boot.
Martin fired in a shot which flashed wide of Boot’s right.
Substitute Duffy, who had replaced Colclough, went desperately close to scoring with a shot which skimmed off the top of the bar.
Mandeville made a fine challenge to tackle Anjola Popoola as the hosts rallied late on.
There was drama in time added on as Accrington twice hit the bar and Boot made an important save.
With news of Salford’s 2-2 draw at Carlisle coming through, the final whistle was greeted with jubilant scenes as Spireites fans celebrated the extension of the season.
Spireites: Boot, Mandeville, Palmer, McFadzean, Gordon, Olakigbe (Jacobs 79), Fleck, Naylor, Metcalfe (Grimes 90+5), Colclough (Duffy 79), Grigg (Pepple 79)
Unused substitutes: Thompson, Oldaker & Drummond
Referee: Thomas Parsons
Attendance: 3,696 (1,371 Spireites fans)
