Sunday 8th May 2011
Even the threatened rain couldn't dampen the spirits of the 9,500 Spireites packed into the B2net to see their team crowned Champions of League 2 yesterday afternoon.
One point was all that was needed and everyone seemed confident it could be done. Not since secondary school and exam time had maths been so important to so many. The build up atmosphere was electric, not bouncing but buzzing as the air thickened with anticipation.
AND WE WEREN'T DISAPPOINTED!
 The roar of the crowd at the opening whistle continued even through a goalless first half, accompanied by singing and the conspiratorial whisper of a change in score of the only other game that mattered - 2nd placed Bury away at Stevenage. What a goal fest that turned out to be, a tease to ragged Spireites nerves, keen for the Shakers to lose.
At 0-0 going into the second half it was still all to play for. A goal from Danny Whitaker steadied nerves, only to see them fray again as Gilllingham (themselves playing for a play off place) netted one back. Another from 'Super' Jack calmed the faithful and once again the chant rang out "Championees" . One more in the back of the net from Deane Smalley and the unofficial Champions party began throughout the stands.
5 added mins seemed like a lifetime, but finally the last whistle of the last game in League Two blew. No one actually heard it, as, from the minute the ref (the most watched man of that particular minute) raised it to his lips a huge cheer erupted and ten thousand fans stood in salute.
All week the club had issued warnings that no one was allowed to venture onto the pitch at any point during Saturday and risk spoiling the party with the potential to cause the presentation to be scrapped. They needn't have worried, the day's importance wasn't lost and the fans were exemplary throughout despite their euphoria.
The dias went up and the stage was set for the medal ceremony (above). First out onto the podium were the two men who many credit with the success of the season - Barrie Hubbard and Dave Allen - the two architects of the B2net, the men who drove the dream of the fans. What price would fans have had on this season two years ago?
Then the true heroes were saluted. A beaming John Sheridan came out of the tunnel to a huge roar to receive his medal from the dignitaries. Then, like the ark, the players came out two by two to rapturous applause and cheers - have a listen below...
Another tumultuous roar rang out as the trophy was lifted and the parade began around the pitch (below), giving the fans a chance to show their support.
Danny Whitaker lingered, clutching the trophy as he shared it with fans much to their appreciation. The others disappeared doubtless to share the moment with their own families and to take it all in in their own time.
And so it ends, the best season in a long long time for the Spireites. The newly built B2 net really has been, in it's first season, the Theatre of Dreams.
See you next season!!
For more information and other CFC news, go to www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk
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