Chesterfield celebrate promotion

Chesterfield make EFL return after winning National League title


Chesterfield secured their return to the Sky Bet EFL after winning the National League title with a 3-0 victory over Boreham Wood on Saturday.

The Spireites sit 21 points clear of Barnet in the table, enough to secure the one automatic promotion spot with five games of the season remaining.

Paul Cook's side could have been promoted at Halifax in midweek, but a 4-2 defeat kept the champagne on ice for a bit longer.

In front of the television cameras and a packed home crowd, they would ensure the wait was brought to an end. A point was required to grab top spot.

Captain Jamie Grimes' scored the goal that set them on their way, a close range header from a corner in the first-half. That was followed by Liam Mandeville tapping in just seconds after the restart.

Grimes then grabbed his second and Chesterfield's third as the game entered the final 20 minutes - meeting the ball at the back post to convert from less than a yard out.

Spireites' six-year exile is over

It means that Chesterfield's six-season spell in non-league has come to an end.

They featured in the play-offs in 2020/21, 21/22 and 22/23, with Notts County responsible for denying them on two of those occasions. Solihull Moors - who were beaten in the final - halted them in the semi-finals in 2022.

But with the Magpies and last season's champions Wrexham out of the way, Chesterfield seized upon the opportunity to go for the title this time around.

The 100 goals scored is the most, by far, of any side in England's top five tiers, with an unbeaten home campaign so far seeing them find the net at least three times in 14 of their 21 outings.

More from Sporting Life


Safer gambling

We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.

Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.


Like what you've read?

MOST READ FOOTBALL

Sporting Life
Join for free!
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Race Replays
My stable horse tracker
giftOffers and prize draws
newsExclusive content

FOOTBALL TIPS

We are committed to Safer Gambling and have a number of self-help tools to help you manage your gambling. We also work with a number of independent charitable organisations who can offer help and answers any questions you may have.
Gamble Aware LogoGamble Helpline LogoGamstop LogoGordon Moody LogoSafer Gambling Standard LogoGamban Logo18+ LogoTake Time To Think Logo