Paul Cook speaks post-Notts County

Spireites manager Paul Cook gave his thoughts after the 1-0 home defeat to Notts County in the first leg of the League Two play-off semi-final

He began by saying: “We probably didn’t have the clear cut chances in the game, if the truth be known, but as I say it’s half time.

“You can see by the quality of the players on the pitch that it will go into the second leg for sure. We’re still very much alive in the tie, that’s for sure.”

“We’re playing against very good opposition. You don’t get to this stage of the competition and meet any duck eggs. They’ve got a lot of good players. It took us probably until the second half to take control of the game – and I felt we did.

“There was a spell where we might go and create the chances to score, but it wasn’t to be. So, we look forward to the next leg now on Friday night and it’s all to play for.”

On the frantic nature of the game, Cook added: “I think we’ve had a season like that. Our fans have been absolutely amazing, no more so than today and every time we are in those (positive) positions, even at Swindon last week where we played ever so well in the first half, we concede.

“Today, the emotions in the game probably didn’t go our way, but I thought the lads stuck to the task really well. I thought they played some really good football in the second half, we tried our best to open up a very good team who were probably comfortable with their 1-0 lead, and I’m sure it will be a bit more open in the second leg, because we’ll certainly go there like that.”

Giving an update on Armando Dobra, the manager said: “It doesn’t look like it’s a good injury, looks like his shoulder. He was brave and he wanted to stay on so much because he absolutely loves playing football. I had to take that decision away from him because you could see from the way he was moving with his body that he wasn’t correct, so he’ll be a big miss for us, he’s a great player.

“That’s part and parcel of the game and, as I say, congratulations to Notts County and to Martin (Paterson) – they’re ahead at half time and we’ll see what next Friday brings.”

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