Armando Dobra netted a brilliant strike in extra-time but Chesterfield’s former Town players and staff were ultimately defeated 4-3 on penalties by Notts County following a 2-2 draw in the Vanarama National League play-off final at Wembley.

The Spireites took the lead from the penalty spot in the fifth minute via Andrew Dallas and were the better side throughout but conceded three minutes from time when a John Bostock free-kick squirmed past keeper Ross Fitzsimons.

Dobra brilliantly restored the lead three minutes into the additional half an hour, but the Magpies hit back through Ruben Rodrigues in the 108th minute and won the shoot-out, which Cook was unable to watch, the ex-Blues boss disappearing down the tunnel.

In addition to Dobra, the Spireites are managed by former Blues boss Paul Cook, who took charge in February 2022 and this season led Chesterfield to third in the National League having taken them to the 2013/14 League Two title in his previous spell in charge.

Former Blues winger and coach Gary Roberts followed Cook to the Derbyshire club as a first-team coach and last summer they signed Dobra after his contract at Town was settled and full-back Bailey Clements, who had been released from Portman Road, with the pair both in the starting XI at Wembley.

Dyer, who became close to Cook during their time at Portman Road together, joined the off-field staff as a first-team coach earlier this year.

The Spireites, who finished 23 points behind the second-placed Magpies, beat 10-man Bromley 3-2 after extra-time in their play-off semi-final.

Photo: Sports Press Photo

SouperJim added 18:47 - May 13 Good strike from Dobs but "stunning" is a touch generous as it deflected up off the defender. The second penalty save in the shootout was as good as anything I've seen though, worth a look!
0

virginblue added 19:00 - May 13 Cook a first class man. Hilarious. Couldn't even watch his players in the penalty shootout. What kind of leadership is that? And let's not forget he basically just gave jobs here to all his mates.
10

jas0999 added 19:26 - May 13 What example does it set when the manager can't stay and watch the penalties? Very poor leadership and can not have helped his players. Poor from Cook.
12

itsonlyme added 19:39 - May 13 Not nice losing on penalties but after a few seasons just missing out I would assay that justice has probably been done! There's always next year for PC!
4

Ipswich1977 added 19:57 - May 13 If ever there was a flawed system with play offs, its definitely the National League system. So glad to see Notts County have been promoted. Justice. They had a magnificent season and in any other year would have been champions.
15

Monkey_Blue added 20:15 - May 13 Absolute justice. If chesterfield had gone up instead of Notts County I think it would have been the worst consequence of the play-offs ever. Has there ever been a side so deserving of promotion forced into the play-offs?
11

Jugsy added 00:37 - May 14 @monkey blue, Sheffield Wednesday are a close second!
1

Monkey_Blue added 02:43 - May 14 @Jugsy… I get what you are saying but I was talking more about the gap between Notts county and the rest. It's amazing that Wednesday seem to be doomed to another season in league one after 96 points.
3

Europablue added 07:18 - May 14 The rules are known before the start of the season, so it is known that the second-place team will enter the playoffs. The points difference is irrelevant. I get it if people are against the playoff concept in general.
1

ThaiBlue added 08:36 - May 14 Cook the clown cant even watch the penalties what a guy
2

MickMillsTash added 13:32 - May 14 Watched it, Clemnets was Ok, Dobra good on the ball in a low quality game, Dobra's play acting a disgrace Wanted Notts County to win (despite Dyer being on the bench for Chesterfield) until Notts County brought on a keeper on loan from Norwich for penalties.
1

ThatMuhrenCross added 08:57 - May 15 I was really disappointed in Paul Cook for abandoning his team at the moment they needed a leader the most. Grateful for him clearing the decks here, the club needed that re-set, but also grateful Mark Ashton had the balls to get rid of him and replace him with someone who is just so superior in every department in McKenna.
1

Fatboy added 10:39 - May 15 On the flip side, if the top two went straight up and there were no playoffs, this league would have been over by October and there would have been little excitement or drama.
0

Mariner1974 added 11:05 - May 15 Not the first time Paul Cook has left a bunch of players hung out to dry... Be nice if Armando Dobra can find a way back to playing a part at Ipswich in the future.
0

blueboy1981 added 11:21 - May 15 Is there any need for Sarcasm towards Paul Cook from you Saddo's ?? - he has had a successful Season with Chesterfield, and taken some players from us on loan to give valuable experience to in doing so. Ipswich Town once wished everyone well on leaving - how things have changed ? Good Luck for next Season Paul Cook, Kieron Dyer, and our players on loan there, all of which were /are Blues, and did / are doing their best for US .. !!! Equally so, commiserations on losing out to a very good team in the Penalty Shoot Out.

2

blueboy1981 added 11:28 - May 15 Some of your Comments are a Disgrace to the Good Name of IPSWICH TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB. Digest that !! - such would not ‘go down well' with the Club, for sure !
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Linkboy13 added 15:18 - May 16 Think Dobra's found his level at Chesterfield perhaps league two maybe. Very good on the ball but needs to improve his all round game especially his defensive work like tracking back that managers require at a higher level. A good example would be Wes Burns who's allround game is superb. People who think he's got a future at Ipswich are living in dream land or very little knowledge of the game.

0

BeattiesBackPocket added 10:37 - May 17 Blueboy1981 completely agree with you no one should be slagging off cook or anyone for that matter if they've tried their best for this club however find it ironic considering you were slagging off and moaning that CURRENT manager McKenna didn't know what he was doing back in January and proved you and the minority of doubters wrong.
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