When Chesterfield lost 1-0 at Peterborough United on 21st March they slipped five points off the Sky Bet League 1 Play-Off pace, in danger of slipping into mid-table mediocrity.
But, five wins from an unbeaten run of six games since, and eight victories in 11 overall, has lifted the Spireites firmly into the top seven, within touching distance of securing a place in the end-of-season showdown.That run of results culminated in a 6-0 midweek mauling of relegation-threatened Colchester United and, after the game, manager Paul Cook was beaming.
He told the club's official website: “It was everything that I like about the game tonight, the energy levels were good out of possession and in possession we moved the ball well on a fantastic pitch that the ball could move on - and we've seen the results of a fantastic team performance.
“I imagine we'll take one or two to Oldham now. That's what football's about and I enjoyed tonight, it was a great night for Chesterfield Football Club.”
The resounding victory on Tuesday, coupled with defeats for the chasing duo Rochdale and Fleetwood Town, left the Spireites with a seven-point cushion inside the Play-Off places with three games to go.
Therefore, the trip to Oldham this weekend presents Paul Cook's side with the chance to confirm their place in the Play-Offs. It's a simple equation; if they win and Dale lose at Gillingham, they will compete in a four-way shoot-out for a place in the Sky Bet Championship.
And that comes just 12 months after they were crowned champions of Sky Bet League 2 - great nights are becoming a regular occurrence for Chesterfield under Cook's stewardship.
Follow the Sky Bet League 1 goal action this weekend on Twitter by following @SkyBetLeague1.