Tom Naylor’s late finish stunned promotion-chasing Notts County as Chesterfield claimed a 2-1 League Two victory at Meadow Lane.
Substitute Will Jarvis thought he had rescued a point for Stuart Maynard’s side after cancelling out Aribim Pepple’s opener.
But Naylor’s left-footed shot – following a skirmish in the box – restored the visitors’ lead, two minutes from time.
With the 2023 National League play-off final still fresh in these two clubs’ minds, both created chances during a frantic and often chaotic start.
County, who won that match on penalties, saw David McGoldrick go close with a fierce low drive.
At the other end, Sam Slocombe made fine saves to deny Pepple and Ollie Banks either side of the veteran striker’s effort.
Paul Cook’s men were more cohesive during the second period and took the lead when Pepple headed Lewis Gordon’s 70th-minute centre home.
Jarvis – who was on target for the first time since joining from Shelbourne – levelled 10 minutes later, after pouncing on Kellan Gordon’s deflected centre.
But Naylor’s dramatic intervention stretched Chesterfield’s winning run to three games.
