Marc McNulty gave a much changed United side the lead but Ian Evatt headed in after the break. After this the visitors threatened to score the winner and overtake the Blades but United featuring several young players held on to the result and to 5th place.
United will now face Swindon over two legs whilst the Spireites will face Preston North End who missed out yet again on automatic promotion.
Manager Clough opted not to take any chances and rested Jamie Murphy, Chris Basham and Paul Coutts with Davies and Holt being on the bench. Michael Doyle, Louis Reed, Jay McEveley and Stefan Scougall came in. Youngster Dominic Calvert Lewin was on the bench again after making his debut last week at Orient.
In front of a big crowd, the sunshine now came out after earlier rain had lashed down. United began well with Adams to the fore. He linked with Scougall who had also looked lively but the latter saw his cross evade everyone. Adams then had a shot pushed away unconvincingly from Lee. At the other end Ryan fed O’Shea but his cross missed everyone.
United had the best effort when McNulty turned after more good work from Scougall and hit a curling shot which Lee did well to turn round the post low down.
O’Shea has a chance after McEveley slipped to the floor but Howard saved smartly low down. Both sides were trying to pass the ball for the most part and it had been fairly entertaining considering both sides were secure of a play-off spot.
The opening goal came on 34 minutes when Brayford hit a low shot from long range but it lacked power and direction and arrived at a United players feet.
MCNULTY turned on it and smashed an unstoppable shot that went past Lee before he could even move; his dive coming after the ball flashed into the net.
The half ended with Scougall breaking but could not find a shirt after breaking well.
Jones had got forward well all game and was left unopposed to put over a deep cross that Evatt powerfully headed into the net giving Howard no chance. The large army of Chesterfield fans celebrated wildly behind the goal.
Buoyed by this they were soon back on the attack and O’Shea came inside and had a shot saved by Howard with the visiting fans on their feet. United had not really got going but a Reed ball saw McNulty nearly in and as he clashed with the keeper; the loose ball fell to Scougall but his shot was poor and blocked on the edge of the area.
Calvert Lewin came on for Doyle and went up top with McNulty playing in a more withdrawn role and Baxter moving into central midfield.
Harris stopped Chesterfield right on the edge of the box and was rightly booked but Roberts effort was well over the bar.
Flynn replaced Scougall as the game entered the final 20 minutes. Soon into the action he drew a foul from Jones who was booked after he had gone through Baxter earlier near the technical area.
Clucas beat the offside flag and seemed set to get in on goal but McEvely made a great block. Roberts then cut in and was just off target as the ball dribbled past the far post.
Red picked up a knock and Davies was put on and United had three attacking players on to finish the game but it was the visitors who continued to look more likely. The giant substitute Gnanduillet got in on a weak back header from McEveley but Howard blocked the ball. It was definitely Chesterfield ended in the ascendancy and they won two late corners but United cleared and Roberts was booked for a cynical late foul as Flynn broke. The game ended soon after and both teams walked off being told their play-off fate with the end of season competition to start in just over 4 days.
United – It was another laborious performance. We did ok for spells but as game went on we got worse and looked no threat at all going forward with a disjointed looking side where the passing became poor and we sat off too much.
First half we did ok in spells and knocked it about reasonably with Adams, Scougall and McNulty looking lively. We had a few half chances and scored a decent goal. After the break we never got going and they played 10 yards higher up the field and upped the tempo. They scored and after this there looked only one winner. We had players all over the field out of position, youngsters on the field and no real partnerships or understanding against a settled side. Chesterfield knew what each other was doing and where they were running in contrast. Sure some will say it does not matter as we rested players etc but we have had a difference team and different spine all season. We have constantly chopped and changed. We never know who is playing one week to the next. At the start of the season you can understand it but now at the end and us entering the playoffs we have no idea nor does Clough; what his best side is. Players are moved around positions constantly
Today we looked slow and sluggish and looked a tired team as the game went on but some of players should have been fresh (many played less than Chesterfield as not been regulars). The passing and control was really poor second half and we never got going, sitting off, not really controlling the midfield and conceding possession and territory. It would not have been a surprise if they got the winner.
I suppose in affect the season starts again Thursday and it is a clean slate but I am concerned we or Clough looks capable of lifting the side and raising the tempo. We have limped into the playoffs (closer to relegation on points than promotion and finished 28 points off the top side and 20 off second which is not good enough) and sadly I cannot see a United side tearing into Swindon in the week and getting the crowd on side. I hope I am wrong. Will help if he picks our strongest eleven players and gets some of them in the right positions. With little options at the back (if Kennedy is not fit) he may have to play the same back four; would play Kennedy andMcEveley and Basham right back if we could. In midfield I would want to see Basham with Doyle and Flynn and Murphy wide and if fit play Done just off Davies. If Done is not fit then play McNulty. I really would like us not to play any of the small, mostly ineffective players such as Holt, Scougall, Baxter etc but fear at least one if not two will play and he will bring Coutts back.
Swindon have some really skilful footballers and have pace down the flanks in Thompson and Byrne. Luongo did not play at the Lane and is a very good footballer. They do not have any strikers of ilk of a Garner though and are more of a footballing side than PNE so we should not really get outmuscled like I fear we would have done if we had got them. We beat them at the Lane but forget they could have been 3-0 up at half time before we got the lead and Murphy caused them such problems. We got dumped at their place and I cannot remember us ever getting much there – have to go back too Bassett’s days and goals from Duffield (broke his leg) and Morris I believe but stand to be corrected?
Do I believe we will get through? On what I have seen in recent weeks and for much of the season; then no but this is United. They often do the unexpected but we need a performance. We have not seen the high tempo, committed side that break down the flanks and was solid at the back; for much of the season. Just hope for 2 games we can show some of these qualities. If we play like we have much of the season we will be going out that is clear. We have to improve from recent weeks and for much of the season and quite a bit in terms of individuals and also collectively. Clough also has to show some level of adventure. I fear he will play it cautious Thursday but this defence has proved it cannot stop goals going in (aerial ones mainly) and thus keeping it tight and trying to nick a 1-0 over the tie will not work against a high scoring Swindon side.
Chesterfield – Decent side who knocked it about well. They will say they had the better chances and more possession and shaded the game. First half it was quite even. They were struggling early on but got more in the game as the half wore on and maybe were unfortunate to be one down. Got level and then had more attacks than us and were quite positive. A side that does not lump it long much and try to get it down and pass it. They use wide men well and are confident on the ball. The lad in midfield we were after Ryan makes them tick but Roberts is a clever player too and O’Shea up top works hard. Evatt scored but is quite clumsy and I feel could be got at down the sides with pace. The two full backs get up and down and both have pace. They have done brilliantly to get 6th. With Doyle going they have no real stars or stand outs but Cook has got them believing in what they do despite the loss of leading scorer in January. They are well organised, have a good team spirt and stick to good football principles. With a small squad and budget they have massively overachieved and most fans would probably have been delighted just to be near half way. How will they do in the playoffs? Unsure really. I think PNE are a big, tough side and glad we avoided them but have a worse play-off record than us and also will be on a real downer and take some lifting after today. Chesterfield have to stick to what they believe in and you never know. The table suggests the two above us both are quite a bit better and I cannot really argue with that. I have a hunch Swindon and PNE will be a bit too strong for both of us with goal scoring threats of each side compared to United and Chesterfield but we will see. They certainly are the side under the least pressure and have nothing to lose.
Howard 7/10 – He did not have too much to do first half as a few balls went across the six yard box. Second half he could not do much about the header but then made a few smart saves as Chesterfield pressed.
Freeman 4/10 – He has done well since he returned but today was his worst game. He was awful from the start and cannot think of many things he did right really. He was sloppy in possession, let his man have too much room and did not communicate with the rest of his defence. Him and Baxter left Jones free between them for an unopposed cross. Looked really poor today.
Brayford 7/10 – Steady enough. Won a few tackles and headers and cannot recall too many errors. Went forward a few times but then ran out of steam after running a long way. His mis hit shot led to the goal. On the goal he seemed to get under the ball and Evatt powered in. With the problems at the back sadly he may have play centre back for the playoffs which is not his best position.
McEveley 7/10 – He did ok today and was decent defensively making some crunching tackles and blocks. Won headers and read the game well too. In fact he was fine until an under hit back pass almost put them in for the winner. It all seemed too good to be trued until the inevitable howler (usually makes one a game).
Harris 6.5/10 – Too many hit and hope balls down the flank to no one in particular. He was careless on the ball and overhit a lot of passes. He was ok defensively but did let them get away once first half when they nearly scored but the ball whizzed across the box.
Doyle 7/10 – Thought he played reasonably well today. Won a number of tackles and won a lot of loose balls. His passing was a bit mixed but he did his job for the most part. I still would like him to start in the week; hopefully with Basham alongside him.
Reed 5/10 – I have to be honest and say he has not took his chance in the games I have seen recently. Really poor at Oldham and subbed; he was equally off form today. His passing was for the most part poor (save for one floated ball when McNulty and then Scougall nearly got in). He lost every 50/50 and his touch was not secure either. Won’t get a start on that performance and has to do much better as promising as he is.
Scougall 7/10 – Better from him today. He looked busy and was more attacking having 2 or 3 good runs that led to half chances in the first half. His touch was better and he looked lively and more like the player from last season. Not quite as influential second half and missed a decent chance when keeper was off his line.
Adams 7/10 – Was one of our most lively players today. He was always positive trying to run forward with the ball or look to get to the byline. Had a few shots blocked and was generally decent when on the ball. Second half we saw less of him as Clough swapped him over with Baxter a bit; trying to get the latter in the game.
Baxter 4.5/10 – Like Reed, given a chance to stake a starting place; he was poor. Lazy, slow and ineffective with the ball most of the day. He set them on the attack a number of times by losing the ball. Tried too manyHollywood balls. Not a winger but even when he was moved inside to end the game; he did not do much right. His set plays were also poor ad floated in meaning it was easier for them to clear.
McNulty 7/10- Did alright. Held it up against two giant centre backs and tried to bring others into play. Had one good curled shot that Lee saved and then scored a cracker that was only a half chance hitting it past the keeper in a flash. Expect Davies to get the nod in the week but hopefully if needed he can come on against some tiring defenders as the game wears on.
Subs-
Calvert Lewin – Brought on for a decent amount of time but not a lot went right for him. He fouled a few times, miscontrolled it and gave it away. Looked very nervous which is understandable but not a home debut where he made any impact.
Flynn – Came on and went wide right and at least gave us some natural width and had a few runs winning a few free kicks and throws down the right. Played one decent ball that just evaded McNulty. Good to see him fit and hoping he can start in the week.
Davies – Brought on for the injured Reed, ended up the lone striker for the close as Calvert Lewin and McNulty flanked him but we were kind of hanging on at that stage. Had one half chance but got crowded out.
Manager rating -
Clough 6/10 – In the end he got what he wanted. We avoided defeat and thus stayed in 5th and play the weaker of the two higher placed sides. He also rested a few players whilst Chesterfield played most if not all of their regulars. He gave a few youngsters a go but it was mixed success with Adams decent; the other two less so. Scougall showed some better form but Baxter did not. Overall it was another patchy display. We never got going second half and could not kick on and we sort of limped to a draw. He does not have us going into the playoffs in any kind of form with no wins in 5 and Swindon will be well rested. Clough for me worries me in that apart from the fact I am not sure if we have another gear; we are now at game 46 and he still does not know his best side. I would love it if he picked the side I mentioned earlier; but fear he will pick some of his favourites such as Baxter or Coutts which slows the side right down. We will see what happens but it is fair to say we are due a decent performance as we have maybe only mustered a couple in the last 2-3 months (Scunthorpe and Barnsley).
Officials – Liked the referee today. Kevin Wright. He was one of the better ones we have had this season. He let things flow, did not blow up for minimal contact and was consistent with his approach both ways. Only booked players when he had to Jones had committed two fouls and Roberts was a cynical trip. Harris’ foul was also pretty clear cut in terms of a yellow as was right on the edge of the box. The rest of the game he tried to let it flow, was not fussy and let players get on with it often ignoring players going to ground too easily; for both sides.
Crowd – A great crowd of over 26,000 with maybe 4,000 coming from Chesterfield too. They were noisy and got behind their team and trying to will them to a late winner and double. United fans were quiet; maybe saving themselves for bigger things to come. To finish the season with an average of 19,805 (so nearly 20,000 is incredible to say we are served up such rubbish much of the time). This is nearly 6,500 higher than next team; Bradford. With season ticket sales over 10,000 again it seems crowds will once again be above 15,000 at very least next season whatever happens in the next few weeks.