Chesterfield manager Paul Cook was upset by the late penalty decision which helped high-flying Notts County salvage a 2-2 draw at a sold-out SMH Group Stadium.
The Spireites looked set for the three points after goals from Paddy Madden and Will Grigg, either side of an Alassana Jatta equaliser, saw them leading deep into stoppage time.
But referee Matt Corlett awarded County a penalty for handball against Liam Mandeville and although David McGoldrick saw his spot-kick saved by Max Thompson, the veteran striker tucked home the rebound to snatch a point for the Magpies.
Cook described the contest as “a great advert for League Two” but was less impressed with how it finished for his side.
He said: “I’m just disappointed with the referee’s decision. I just feel he was so quick to give a massive decision when (Mike) Jones and Mandeville are very close together. So to be able to have any type of action that would be anything other than natural in that moment…We’re just disappointed that he gave it, he could have easily waved play on.”
Cook added: “I felt we had all the big chances in the game. I’ve got to say Notts County will always have periods of possession. They’re very much a possession-based side.
“They’ve got so many good players. They’ve done really well. They’ll be in the shake-up at the end of the year.
“I thought it was only disappointing because of the manner of the equaliser, the lateness in the game, etc. I felt we’d done more than enough to take the points.
“It was a really good game. I thought our lads were excellent right throughout the team. We had loads of good performances.
“You’ve got two teams intent on playing football, so it was always going to be a good game for viewers watching it and for the 10,000 people who were in the stadium again.
“Great credit to Chesterfield fans in the main and Notts County for coming out like they do and supporting the teams and it was a great advert for League Two.”
Notts County manager Stuart Maynard was pleased with his side’s character as they came from behind to claim a point.
He said: “I think we’ve got that in us now, I think the mentality and the character that we’ve shown again to keep going all the way to the end. I think we have that in this group and it’s something that we’re going to need all season.
“We’ve shown it many times this year already, and we keep showing it that we keep going to the end.
“I thought they were dangerous at times, but I thought we slightly edged it. If you look at their first goal, it comes out of nothing.
“It’s very tough when you come to places like this and you’re coming away from home, teams come out the traps and come out very fast. But that’s the frustrating thing.”
