Playoff - The Spireites (H)
Team - Chesterfield
Date - 15/05/2026 19:00
Where - Meadow Lane

What would your starting line-up be? What will be the key areas for the Magpies to get a victory? What do you think the final score will be?

Have your say below, join in with the Pride of Nottingham match discussion.

I think that Notts need to show the same application that they demonstrated in the first leg. It's going to take hard work & grit, to nullify Chesterfield's tactics. Notts are going to have to compete for every ball, all over the pitch.

I suspect that Martin will pick the same starting 11 that he picked for the 1st leg. Chesterfield are going to have periods of pressure & dominance. Notts have to ride it out & take any opportunities that present themselves when they are dominating.

I think that the midfield battle will be key to Notts success. Having Norburn and Robbo together, with Iorpenda & Luker further forward was key to Notts's success in the 1st leg, & I think it could be key in the 2nd leg too.

If we start the match like we did against Chesterfield (penalty aside) it will give us a good chance of getting that crucial first goal again.

If Dobra has properly injured himself (you never know with his antics just how bad it really is) it would aid us if he was out. Ness probably had an easier match first leg after he went off. I get that with injuries our back 3 is self-selection right now but I think this is the area of the pitch that looks the most vulnerable. I think Ness is just too clunky with his movement to deal with the quick tricky wingers, the penalty was a shining example of this.

I can’t really see a reason to change the first 11, maybe Palmer starts if he’s properly fit, I think that’s about the only real change I would expect. I’d hope Dennis is back in the squad, he might be a touch out of form but he’s still our 2^nd top goalscorer and he’s capable of scoring from outside the box too. I think it would be daft to not have him on the bench.

I’m hoping we get an early goal to ease the nerves a bit, if we do I think the players can relax and play like we know they can, I just hope the big match occasion doesn’t get to them.

An ex colleague of mine works at Chesterfield FC and he says Dobra is definitely out, I hope he’s right.

It's Matchday.

It’s a big day, I’ve just said in the weekly chat, today we find out if we are going to Wembley or the journey stops here, whatever happens it’s been a good season, COME ON YOU PIES!