Chesterfield won 2-1 at the Nigel Eady County Ground to deservedly clinch a League Two play-off berth. Lee Bonis poked home in the 19th minute to put the Spireites ahead. More chances came and went before and, against the run of play, Swindon levelled in time added on in the first half.
Swindon came out with a new determination in the second half but couldn’t find a breakthrough; instead Dilan Markanday was on-hand to finish off some Armando Dobra magic, he touched home from close range to put the Spireites back in front. Despite some frantic defending and athletic stops from Ryan Boot Chesterfield held on for only their second win in Wiltshire in 14 visits.
Paul Cook chose to retain the same starting line-up that began last week’s fixture whereas Ian Holloway made four changes to the side that ran out at Blundell Park. Ex-Spireites Darren Oldaker and Ollie Palmer had to settle for a place on the bench.
Over 2,000 Spireites had made the trip to Wiltshire, many in fancy dress, and they really made themselves heard as the teams emerged from the tunnel. Chesterfield kicked off defending the end that housed their supporters.
Liam Mandeville took the game’s first free-kick in the 4th minute, close to the right touchline; the ball ricocheted around and eventually fell to Ryan Stirk who hit strongly from 20 yards but his shot was blocked well.
A stunning ball from Jake Batty almost found top scorer Aaron Drinan in the area but the connection didn’t happen and the danger went away.
The Spireites twice went close. Armando Dobra ran strongly with Lee Bonis waiting for the pass, wide right. In the end Dobra held on too long and was jostled off the ball. Moments later Dilan Markanday found himself clear but hit frustratingly wide.
Swindon went close in the 13th minute after Ben Middlemas ran well but hit narrowly wide of the far post.
Markanday was looking lively and crossed from the right, Dobra hooked back in but there was no taker from a blue shirt.
Chesterfield took the lead in the 19th minute. Dobra ran with the ball, was jostled and the ball ran loose to Bonis who poked home with his left foot to home keeper, Connor Ripley’s right.
Markanday was electric and almost won the ball from keeper Ripley after he came out of his area to claim; Ripley recovered to end the danger.
A huge miss from the Spireites after 32 minutes. Markanday cut-back superbly and laid the ball on for Ryan Stirk who blasted recklessly over.
Four minutes laterMandeville was challlenged in the area by Tom Nichols; Referee Scott Oldham dismissed Mandeville’s half-hearted penalty appeal.
Dobra tried to jink his way through a packed defence; the ball ran free for Sammy Braybrooke who followed the trend and hit high and over.
Three added minutes were awarded and the Spireites gained a corner in the first of the three. No clear Chesterfield opening emerged, but Swindon levelled in the last action of the half after Middlemas slid the ball home after Drinan had provided the killer pass.
The second half began as the predicted rain arrived and the Chesterfield fans looked for appropriate clothing in their allocated space that had no cover. Paul Cook made one change at the start of the second period; Janoi Donacien took over from Kyle McFadzean.
Swindon resumed the game looking the brightest and dominated the early possession. The game’s first first yellow card arrived in the 53rd minute after Junior Hoilett brought down Dobra.
The home side went close again, a minute later, when Middlemas hit wide of the right upright.
Ryan Stirk picked up a booking for a clumsy foul. Chesterfield regained the lead in the 61st minute. Bonis started the move, Dobra picked up and ran at the home defence; he managed to squeeze the ball along the bye-line and found Markanday who touched home from close range.
Swindon appealed for a handball decision but the referee saw nothing wrong with Swinkel’s action.
Chesterfield won a free kick-kick just outside the area after Braybrooke was brought down; he took the kick himself but couldn’t find an opening.
Swindon went close, on 79 minutes, when substitute Oldaker hit from 15 yards but Swinkels got in the way and cleared the threat.
As the minutes ticked away a cross from the left found substitute Joe Snowdon free, he wasted the opening as he skied his shot high and wide.
Dobra was fouled and won a free-kick, wide-left, in line with the edge of the area; they retained the ball well and Markanday hit for goal with the final touch, Ripley claimed well.
Fletcher Holman hit for goal inside the six yard box. Boot saved well and twice more in a frenetic period of added time.
Eventually the referee blew the final whistle that deservedly confirmed the win that sealed a two-leg League Two play-off clash against Notts County.
Chesterfield: Boot, Curtis, McFadzean (Donacien 46), Swinkels, Gordon, Stirk, Braybrooke (Dickson 90+3), Mandeville (Naylor 71), Dobra (Berry 90+3), Markanday, Bonis (Grigg 90+3)
Subs not used: Hemming, Pearce
Attendance: 12,989 including 1,936 Chesterfield supporters
Referee: Scott Oldham
