Notts County secured their place in the League Two play-off final after a 0-0 draw with Chesterfield at Meadow Lane saw them go through 1-0 on aggregate.
Chesterfield, trailing to Jayden Luker’s goal in a 1-0 win for County in the first leg, made the stronger start, with James Berry curling wide early on.
Berry, the on-loan Wycombe winger, then saw a free-kick deflected behind before Scott Robertson fired County’s first reply at goalkeeper Ryan Boot from distance.
Notts County held off Chesterfield
Berry had two more goal attempts at the other end before a controversial incident involving Ollie Norburn occurred shortly before half-time.
The County midfielder went in high on Ryan Stirk, who had to be substituted. Referee Thomas Parsons took no action, however.
Luker, on loan from Luton, fired a great chance over at the back post four minutes into the second period.
Chesterfield were denied by James Belshaw’s fine save in the 54th minute after Dilan Markanday had burst through on the right of the box.
Referee Parsons also had to go off injured near the end as County defended deep to repel a barrage of Chesterfield attacks.
The managers
Notts County boss Martin Paterson on Sky Sports:
“I was pleased with moments of the first half, the second half I was not pleased.
“I thought Chesterfield were unbelievable in the second half. We had to suffer and come through those periods. They were pulling us apart.
“They were excellent. The game should’ve been put to bed in the first half.
“Cooky has been into our dressing room to wish us luck, that is one of the classiest acts I’ve seen.
“We are delighted but football is about winning and getting to the next round. We did not wilt, we stood firm and worked hard.”
Chesterfield’s Paul Cook on Sky Sports:
“You know what, it is so disappointing because I cannot ask any more of the players. You just congratulate Notts County and we wish them well.
“There is not much in the games; the margins are small. Tonight, I can’t ask anymore out of the players. We got good situations that we could not convert. We wish them well.
“I love Chesterfield, everyone knows that. I feel loads of disappointment but I love the club, we will lick our wounds. I don’t feel like we have let everyone down.
“I felt like we’d get a goal tonight. Everyone can’t win.”
