Chesterfield boss Paul Cook has said his side are out of the automatic promotion picture after dropping yet more points on Saturday.
The Spireites travelled south to reigning National League champions Barnet, with both sides still aspiring to at least a top-seven finish and a shot at going up to League One through the playoffs.
But the visitors stumbled their way towards defeat, with their attacking unit misfiring, allowing Nnamdi Ofoborh to score the game’s only goal and bring Dean Brennan’s side level on points with Chesterfield.
8️⃣8️⃣7️⃣ #Spireites in London this afternoon.
Outstanding 💙 pic.twitter.com/tEU1MH0sa0
— Chesterfield FC (@ChesterfieldFC) February 28, 2026
Cook Gives Promotion Verdict
Speaking to 1866 Sport following the result, Paul Cook admitted his side’s chances of finishing in the top three are now over, with Chesterfield nine points behind Milton Keynes Dons. (Quotes via Derbyshire Times):
“We are going to have to come together as a group again because I have always maintained these (lads) could go up automatically, I don’t feel that now.”
“It looks like we are going to have to try to go up in the play-offs. But the first thing we have got to do is get into the play-offs. That is the first thing because other teams will smell blood. We have got the players, we have got everything in our favour to do that.
“Unfortunately, we have probably been on an okay run, but it is not enough for this club. This club demands more. The fans demand more and we need more. We want players to idolise and trust and, at the minute, the fans are searching for that. I don’t shirk responsibility. As a group together, we need to do more.”
Chesterfield are by no means out of the running for a lofty finish, and should they win their game in hand on Crewe Alexandra, they would draw level on points with the Railwaymen, albeit with a worse goal difference.
📈 @bromleyfc move four points clear!#EFL | #SkyBetLeagueTwo pic.twitter.com/BcwRh32CHI
— Sky Bet League Two (@SkyBetLeagueTwo) February 28, 2026
League Two Quality Plain To See
Paul Cook’s side have certainly not been at their best, but with just two losses since the start of the year, it is hard to say that this is a poor run of form for a team looking to finish in the top places.
A loss to Barnet has put a slight dent in their hopes for a playoff place, but in terms of ramifications for an automatic promotion spot, it does seem it is game over for Chesterfield.
Despite only losing twice, it speaks volumes to how competitive the top of League Two has been over the past few years, and as seen last season, automatic promotion can be decided by the barest of margins.
The Spireites have a tough end to their season with matches against Crewe Alexandra and Swindon Town, meaning they will need to build themselves a margin within the top seven in order to comfortably secure a place and have a shot at Wembley.