Notts County earned a one-goal lead in the League Two play-off semi-final first leg thanks to Jayden Luker‘s winner.
Chesterfield had a golden chance to take the lead in the sixth minute after the home side were awarded a penalty following Rod McDonald’s foul on Liam Mandeville.
Forward Lee Bonis stepped up to take it and sent James Belshaw the wrong way but his effort bounced back off the post before Notts County cleared the danger.
Instead it was the visitors who took the lead with just under a half hour gone in the game when Tom Iorpenda put in a low cross that Luker latched to the end of with his shot finding the net despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Ryan Boot.
Overall it had been a cagey half though and the Spireites had a good chance to level with just over an hour gone when Janoi Donacien had an effort deflected just wide of the post.
Shortly after, Belshaw had to be at his best to keep out Tom Pearce’s freekick effort that looked like it was destined for the net.
The Magpies held on though to secure a one-goal advantage going into second leg next week.