Chesterfield Are The Champions As More Matters Are Settled

By Sam Elliott

On Non-League Day, Chesterfield said hello to the EFL as the new champions waved goodbye to the National League with a stylish win over Boreham Wood.

The Spireites ended their six-year stay with a 3-0 win - and got their hands on the trophy in front of their thrilled fans.

Thrilled Paul Cook saluted the club’s supporters and his players after Jamie Grimes’ double either side of a Liam Mandeville goal got the party started.

That result left Wood in the bottom four after York City’s fine 2-0 win at Bromley. Dipo Akinyemi’s fine clincher gave the Minstermen’s season a huge lift.

Oxford City are relegated after going down 2-1 at AFC Fylde. Nick Haughton’s winner means the Coasters are edging towards the dop half.

Dorking Wanderers look like they’re nearing the drop - a 6-0 stuffing at Barnet saw Callum Stead score twice. Dale Gorman was also on target. Kidderminster took a late point home from Wealdstone, Ashley Hemmings goal keeps the Harriers in touch.

Chris Magure rescued a point for Eastleigh at home to Hartlepool United, while Woking won’t be annoyed with a 0-0 draw Southend United. Maidenhead United, however, are looking over their shoulders - Devante Rodney’s winner for Rochdale leaves them a point outside the relegation zone.

There were some huge games in the play-off hunt. Kain Adom’s goal completed the turn-around for Gateshead at Altrincham, while Aldershot Town bit back to draw 1-1 with Solihull Moors. Oldham Athletic missed the chance to up the pressure, the drew 0-0 at Dagenham & Redbridge.

Yeovil Town took a giant stride towards the National League South title by ending Braintree Town’s 14-game unbeaten run.

Frank Nouble’s goal could prove critical - especially after Chelmsford City’s stunning turn around at Taunton Town. Charlie Ruff’s two goals in time added on flipped things in their favour - but they can’t close the nine-point gap.

Torquay United earned a huge point in their season, winning 1-0 at home to Hampton & RB thanks to Asa Hall’s penalty.

Aveley won against St Albans City to keep their play-off dreams very much alive. Razzaq Coleman’s goal was the difference. Tyreke Johnson’s double eased Chippenham to a 4-1 win over Welling United as Maidstone beat Weston-super-Mare 1-0.

Havant & Waterlooville are all-but down after they were thrashed at Weymouth while Paul Rooney kept Dartford in the safety hunt as they drew 1-1 with Hemel Hempstead Town.

Elsewhere, Jamie Fielding won it late for Tonbridge against Truro City as Aaron Kuhl’s double did for Dover Athletic as Farnborough close the gap on the play-offs.

Tamworth had to settle for a point at King’s Lynn Town but their National League North advantage is still a healthy 11 points.

They drew 1-1 and it could have been more but for Owen Devonport’s deflected late leveller. Scunthorpe United impressed at Warrington, Danny Whitehall and Michael Clunan on target.

Boston United players can’t stop scoring hat-tricks - it was Jimmy Knowles’ turn this week as he gunned down Chorley.

Hereford thrashed Farsley 4-1, and it was the same scoreline at Curzon Ashton, who added to Banbury’s problems. Paul Blackett’s late winner gave South Shields victory at Chester.

George Carline got Brackley Town’s winner as play-off rivals Alfreton Town were sent home empty handed.

Elsewhere, it was a productive afternoon for Rushall Olympic, Spennymoor Town and Scarborough Athletic who all won.

Where next?

Vanarama Make Their Team Of The Weekend Picks! After six long years, Chesterfield are heading back to the EFL as worthy Vanarama National League Champions following Saturday’s 3-0 win over Boreham Wood.
Will Chesterfield Get Their Champagne Moment Tomorrow? After waiting six long years, what’s a few more days for Chesterfield fans to hang on?

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