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!

Mouth-watering prospect tonight.

If our players like the occasion - full, raucous Meadow Lane, under lights, and things break for them, Chesterfield might be in for a very difficult night.

My Notts line up for this evening barring injuries would be the same starting eleven and bench that played in the first leg.

The important thing here is to maintain the physicality & the ability to compete with Chesterfield all over the pitch.

I'm sure that Chesterfield will try to play the same way they did against Notts at ML in the League match. Notts will need to use controlled aggression at all times to counter their tactics.

19 minutes ago, Robbie said:

My Notts line up for this evening barring injuries would be the same starting eleven and bench that played in the first leg.

Agree, don't fix it if it's not broken.

Subs did ok on Saturday. I wonder if Dennis and/or Browne will be on the bench this time.

Not sure what happened to Dennis in the away leg, is he injured? I’d have thought he’d be on the bench if available.

I was there 30 years ago today, great day but it ended badly for us at Wembley. Today is also the anniversary of the battle of Chesterfield in 1266, which I wasn't there for but ended badly for Chesterfield.

Regarding the team, I agree if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I've had thoughts about switching McDonald and Ness around as old Rod is better at dealing with players running at him, but MP evidently wants an experienced leader in the middle, which is legit. It's a trade-off either way.

I suspect that Ndlovu has risen above Dennis in the pecking order, but ideally we'd have both on the bench - Ndlovu if we're protecting a lead, Dennis if we're chasing the game.

The am dram society from Chesterfield have a tendency to lose their heads if things don't go their way, so let's keep ours, be professional and book that Wembley ticket.

Hello everyone, unfortunately my son is unable to attend tonight so I have a spare adult ticket Derek Pavis G153. Give me a ring or message me on 07525538618 if it is of any use.

Chesterfield bring theatrics. They bring drama. We need to rise above that tonight. I'll be depending on text up dates from my friend Niall. I'm going to Cobh Ramblers vs Athlone Town tonight.

4 hours ago, StarkMallard said:

Regarding the team, I agree if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I've had thoughts about switching McDonald and Ness around as old Rod is better at dealing with players running at him, but MP evidently wants an experienced leader in the middle, which is legit. It's a trade-off either way.

Rodmac as RCB is something we haven't seen all season - thank god. He played there for about 80% of his games last season under Maynard, and it was painful seeing a predominantly left-footed player having to play the position so unnaturally. He told us CB was his position and he's certainly been vindicated this season.

MP obviously wanted both Platt and RM in the team and that's when Platt had his injury playing RCB, sprinting up and down the line and turning in the Chesterfield game a few months back.

Ness is probably a bit of a weak link unfortunately, but that's whether at RB/RCB or CB (like at Oldham and Cambridge). He's had a lot of good games this season, but I fear he may be another Alex Lacey, who just didn't relish and wasn't equipped to pull off the last ditch defending in the penalty box. Standing statuesque when throwing your body around was more in order.

But If Ness-McDonald-Bedeau do the job in these play-offs they'll all be club legends anyway.