Will Grigg scored the vital goal to take Chesterfield into the play-offs but said there will not be any celebrations yet after their dramatic final-day 1-0 win over Accrington.
The Spireites were ninth at the start of the day and were relying on Salford and Grimsby not winning and for themselves to do a job at the Wham Stadium.
It worked out perfectly for them to secure seventh spot thanks to Grigg’s 32-minute goal, although it was almost snatched out of their hands in added time as Stanley hit the woodwork twice.
Striker Grigg, whose team head into the play-offs on the back of a six-game unbeaten run said: “It’s a great feeling to win but there were no wild celebrations at the end as we have got three massive games hopefully now to come so we can’t get too excited yet.”
Chesterfield assistant manager Danny Webb said: “The last five minutes of the game were horrible. You begin to think it might be your day when they didn’t take their chances late on.
“We were listening to what was happening elsewhere, we were all checking, but we tried to maintain the focus on the pitch as it meant nothing if Accrington equalised.
“We showed grit and determination in the last 10 minutes not to lose the game.
“We have shown a great turnaround since the Colchester game.
“Last season, we won the National League, we were the best team, we played the best football. In this league, you have to show more than that and hopefully we are showing the grit and solidity you need to get anywhere near League One at the right time.
“We need to enjoy this weekend, have a beer and relax before we focus on Walsall.”
John Doolan has completed his first full season as Stanley manager, securing their EFL status last week and they finished in 21st place.
Doolan said: “We set out to try and win the game against a very good side, who have got some good players and they have proved that over the season.
“We had to make changes for this game with injuries, seven in total, so it was a tough ask.
“The team I put out I couldn’t ask for more, especially in the second half. We asked a lot of questions after the break and we just needed that bit of luck.
“Their goal seemed blessed and it was probably meant to be for them to get into the play-offs.
“I am so proud of everyone since the start of the season. Now it’s time to catch my breath!”
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